bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Occupational exposure for asbestos-related disease groups: geomapping of the last 5 years in Italy
Authors: Vinci A , Ingravalle F , D'Ercole M , Mancinelli S , Lucaroni F , Palombi L
Published: October 2020

Background

Asbestos-related diseases are a public health challenge in Italy: the country has been a major producer and user of asbestos since World War II until complete ban in 1992. Several contaminated sites and structures across the country have never been decontaminated: incidence peak of asbestos-related diseases is expected somewhen between 2015 and 2020. Study objective is to investigate incidence of asbestos-related diseases in Italy in the last 5 years, from both a chronological and geographical perspective.

Methods

Ascertained diagnoses of asbestos-related diseases among workers were collected from the INAIL public registry from 2014 to 2018. Yearly incidence rate was estimated per province (incident cases per million workers) and mapped by year. Global incidence quota by working sector and sub-sector was also calculated.

Results

8.620 cases have been reported. Incidence rate rapidly increased from 2014, peaking at 7,2 new cases per 100.000 workers in 2015. Afterwards, the number of ascertained cases decreased. There is a clear gradient distribution between northern and southern Italian provinces, with the highest rates in Northern Italy (especially in year 2014) and declining over time. Mesothelioma (all variants) was the most common disease, (2.995 cases, 35% of total), followed by pleural plaques (2.955 cases, 34%), pneumoconiosis (1.327 cases, 15%) and cancer of lungs/respiratory tract (1.298 cases, 14%). Most affected category was that of metal workers, but construction, transportation and electricity workers were also affected.

Conclusions

Detailed surveillance with mapping support is an effective tool for public health servants to locally manage prevention programs targeted on occupational risk. This is especially true for areas with active industries in the most affected sectors.

Key messages

Asbestos does not mean mesothelioma, but also other diseases that impact on workforce health status. Pneumoconiosis and other oral and respiratory cancers are also associated with asbestos exposure. Risk management should be tailored for a wider array of worker types than usually considered, since such exposure happens in sectors that are not traditionally related to asbestos exposure.
Psychosocial work environmental factors and workplace health, a systematic literature review
Authors: Lytsy P , Friberg E
Published: October 2020

The psychosocial work environment is of importance for the health of individuals and organizations. The aim was to map the existing knowledge, as presented in relevant and well performed systematic reviews, that have investigated associations between psychosocial work environment factors and relevant health related outcomes. Systematic reviews of existing knowledge were sought without time restriction in three electronic databases: PubMed, PsycINFO, and Cinahl. A total of 42 systematic reviews of moderate or good quality studying psychosocial work factors' associations to individuals' health or the wellbeing of the organization were included. The main psychosocial work environment factors which were investigated were different models of strain due to stress, conflict and mobbing. About half of the included systematic reviews investigated associations between psychosocial work environment factors and mental health and about half of the systematic reviews investigated associations to somatic disorders, mainly cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders and pain. Most of the included systematic reviews based their results on workers/employees in general, whereas five systematic reviews focused on workers within health care and veterinary organizations, and a few focused on other work areas such as industrial workers, police and correctional workers, and people working with occupational groups affected by disasters. The vast majority of the included systematic reviews investigated psychosocial work environment factors as being risk factors for the development of illness, disease or consequences of disease, such as sick leave. A substantial amount of well performed systematic reviews add to the evidence that psychosocial work environmental factors can be viewed as risk factors for the development of illness, disease and consequences of diseases such as sick leave.

Key messages

A systematic mapping review of the existing knowledge about associations between psychosocial work environment factors and health related outcomes. The psychosocial work environment is of importance for the health of individuals as well as for the levels of sickness absence in organizations.
Structure of acute lethal poisonings in children: a retrospective study in the Moscow Region, Russia
Authors: Vlassov V V , Plis S S , Veselkina O V , Klevno V V
Published: October 2020

Background

Poisonings are of major public health concern - they cause sickness and death in many children. The clinical case series are non-informative about the very severe intoxications. The objective of this study was to describe the spectrum of toxic substances leading to the death of children, and analyze the time trends and age differences.

Materials and Methods

We analyzed autopsy reports from the archives of the Bureau of Forensic Medical Expertise of the Moscow Region over a 10-year period.

Results

Of total children's deaths in age 0 to 19 (n = 3873), unnatural death accounted for 71% of cases (n = 2750). In the structure of unnatural deaths, poisoning accounted for 15.56%. The average age of dead children is 11.2 ± 6.10 years (X + SD). Deaths of boys dominates (at least 60% in age older one year), mostly due to the higher frequency of poisoning with chemical/technical agents (p < 0.01). Age groups are different by the causes of death (p < 0.01): higher frequency of poisoning by carbon monoxide (p = 0.036) in younger children and in older children - by illicit drugs (p = 0,026). There was significant increase in frequency of fatal poisoning by therapeutic drugs and chemical-technical agents in 2016-2018 compared with the previous time interval (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

The most common cause of Russian children's death is the exposition to the carbon monoxide. The improvement in living conditions and heating technology is a major preventive measure. In the group of therapeutic drugs, the leading toxicant is drotaverine, and among technical substances - natural gas (as a recreational self-poisoning).

Key messages

Unnatural deaths a numerous in Russian children, and intoxication is one of the leading causes. Dangerous heating of the houses is a major and preventable cause of death by CO intoxication.
Surgical gloves' perforation rate and its associated factors in three Tunisian surgical departments
Authors: Tlili M A , Sridi H , Akouri M , Aouicha W , Belgacem A , Taghouti E , Lamine H , Said Latiri H , Ben Rejeb M , Mallouli M
Published: October 2020

Background

Surgical teams rely on gloves as a barrier that can prevent transmission of microorganisms from the practitioners to the patient and from patient to surgical team. However, holes and micro-perforations may occur in gloving material exposing both patients and surgical team members to several complications. This study aimed to investigate the gloves' perforation rate and the factors associated with glove defect.

Methods

It is descriptive cross-sectional study. It was spread over a period of 3 months (January-March 2017) and was conducted at the University Hospital of Sahloul-Sousse (Tunisia) in three different surgical departments (urology, maxillofacial and general and digestive surgery). A data collection sheet was used by the researchers to collect data about the intervention and the surgical teams such the type and the duration of the intervention and the type of gloves used by the surgical teams. The post-surgery gloves were collected and tested to detect perforations using the water-leak test as described in the European Norm “NF EN 455-1”. For percentage comparison, the chi-square test was used with a significance threshold of 5%.

Results

A total of 284 gloves were collected from 36 procedures. Of these, 47 were found to be perforated with a perforation rate of 16.5%. All perforations were unnoticed by the surgical team members. The majority of perforated gloves (61.7%) were collected after urology procedures (p = 0.00005), 77% of perforated gloves were detected when the duration of the procedure exceeded 90 minutes (p = 0.001), and 96% of gloves were from brand A, which were the thicker gloves (p = 0.015)

Conclusions

This study highlighted an important problem neglected by the surgical teams, despite the risks that it can generate and its potentially severe consequences. In light of this study, we recommend systematic double-gloving and frequent changing of gloves to prevent the gloves' perforation and reduce its risks.

Key messages

Surgical teams must be aware of the importance of the problem of gloves perforation. The ﬁndings reaffirm the importance of double-gloving and changing gloves in surgeries of more than 90 minutes duration.
Proportion of Home and Leisure Accidents in mainland Portugal, in 2019
Authors: Alves T , Rodrigues E , Neto M , Mexia R , Matias-Dias C
Published: October 2020

Unintentional injuries are recognized by the World Health Organization and the European Union as a preventable public health problem contributing to mortality and morbidity burden and expression in the emergency department (ED). According to EuroSafe injury is the fourth most common cause of death within the EU, being the leading cause of death in the youngest.

Whereas injury related fatalities is only a part of the problem and more patients require hospital treatment it is essential measure the size of the injury problem and characteristics of these non-fatal injuries. Information from Injury Data-Base reveals that the majority of injury related ED attendances and hospital admissions result from accidents occur in home and during leisure times. So, the aim of this study it was to know the proportion of Home and Leisure Accidents (HLA) which needed attendance in the emergency rooms of the Hospitals National Health, in Portugal Mailand, in 2019.

For the analysis were considered the total number of NHS health entities that have an ED, SONHO information system and National injury surveillance system - EVITA System. Based on hospital emergency records in 2019, was obtained the total number of victims by HLA who needed assistance in this health services. In 2019, there were 526 786 ED attendances due to HLA, so about 11,3% of hospital ED attendances in mainland Portugal were caused by HLA. Globally, it was observed a proportion of HLA with admission in ED higher in males (12,9%) than females (10,1%). Disaggregating the data by age group, it was possible to observe a preponderance of males in victims aged less than or equal to 54 years. On the other hand, females showed a higher proportion in individuals aged 55 and over.

Additionally, victims aged 75 and over had the highest proportion of hospital admissions by HLA, both in females (15,5%) and males (13,1%). This study represented a relevant advance contributing to the revelation of the dimension of this problem in Portugal.

Key messages

The National Injury Surveillance System provides information that allows to know the dimension of this health problem in mainland Portugal. HLA represents 11,3 % of the total hospital ED attendances. HLA are the predominant cause of injury related ED attendances. Males and females have a different proportions of injury. Males aged 54 years and over have higher proportion of HLA than females.
Liquid migration and patterns of health service consumption
Authors: Reine I
Published: October 2020

Transnational migrants refuse to commit themselves to one national setting. Thus, the national social security administrations face a challenge to comply with EU regulations and directives on how the governmental and municipal forces and systems through economic policies, development agendas, social norms, social policies and political systems guarantee access to health services for European migrants. Using a longitudinal design, this study provides the most robust statistical assessment of the effect of migration on the patterns of health service consumption of Eastern European migrants. Using objective measurements and individual experiences of 6292 respondents, the study on Latvian migrants analyses perceived social insurance support (as it refers to health). The results suggest that the transnational migrants are aware of the quality, availability and costs of health services in their home country(-ies) and the country of origin. Despite the fear of the government of Latvia of the mass misuse of the social system, only four percent of the transnational migrants are using this possibility. The majority of the respondents admitted that they pay for the services themselves, and are mostly not aware or willing to use their rights in accordance with EU regulations. One of the main reasons for transnational migration depicting “medical tourism”, seems to be related to the health and social support needs, especially in regard to prophylactic check-ups, dentistry and different examinations not related to a serious illness. The results suggest that migrants in the EU are seeking for accessible and affordable health services disregard their social insurance benefits in any particular country. It remains to be studied what are the behavior patterns among migrants with acute and chronic conditions.

Key messages

The use of health services may not be related to the benefits of social insurance or economical aspects, rather on needs, quality and accessibility. Health services might trigger an extensive transnational migration, but not benefits because of social insurance.
The socio-economical impact of work related deaths: the problem of work precarization
Authors: Komoda D , Martins A C A , Cordeiro R C , Gerônimo C , Fernández M R B , Smania T G , Ruiz A M P
Published: October 2020

According to ILO, 6000 people die of work-related conditions. In Brazil, 4th in the rank of deaths related to work, 1 person day each 4 hours due to fatal accidents related to work (FARW). This study is an attempt to provide an overview on the impact of FARW in the family of the deceased workers. This is an epidemiological study, part of a research, conducted by epiGeo, in the city of Campinas, Brazil, 2015 and 2020, when the families of 73 workers (out of 82) that died of FARW were interviewed. The aim of the interviews was to evaluate the social impacts of FARW in the families, considering pre-determined parameters as follows.

Out of 73 families interviewed, 15 (20.83%) of them didn't have access to the national social compensations, due to informality. Although 58 of the workers contributed to the national social security system, only 38 (65.55%) of them had access to social security pensions due to the death of their relatives. Regarding income, 47 families (64.38%) reported impacting decrease in income, and 5 of them (6,8%) reported extreme economical hardship. In the last two years Brazilian national policy regarding work-related rights has been changing greatly. According to the Brazilian Geography and Statistics Institute (IBGE), the number of informal jobs had achieved an astonishing record number of 11.7mi workers in 2019, which can have impacts not only on the informalization and precarization of work which will also increase the difficulties to the access to the social security system rights.

Further research should be conducted to understand why people are not having access to their social security rights. Health policy makers and health personnel must be aware of the impact on workers health and working conditions, caused by work precarization legislations. The socio-economic impact of work related deaths: the problem of work precarization.

Key messages

The precarization of work caused by work-related legislative reforms can cause severe impacts on social security access. Families of workers that died of work-related fatal accidents have an important negative impact on income.
Health workers’ health in face of disasters: what the experience in Brumadinho, Brazil, taught us
Authors: Lazarino M S A , Lazarino J P S A , da Silva J M
Published: October 2020

When the Dam I of Córrego do Feijão mine ruptured, in the municipality of Brumadinho, Minas Gerais, Brazil, on 25/01/2019, the released mudflow of iron mining residues caused environmental, human, social, cultural and economic damages in 18 municipalities. It also resulted in psychosocial suffering for all the populace and 272 immediate deaths, 259 of which were occupational accidents, thus being considered the largest expanded occupational accident in Latin America. In this context, the public health workers involved in the care of affected populations presented risks of developing mental illness.

The team in the Workeŕs Health Reference Centre (Cerest) observed signs of mental suffering in multiple Primary Health Care workers of Brumadinho. Cerest professionals proposed the realization of therapeutic groups, which did not occur due to the high level of demand generated by the accident. As such, individual consultations were provided by 3 psychologists on duty, on the workplaces that had more complaints. 20 workers with symptoms like insomnia, fatigue and body aches were assisted.Among the 20 patients, 2 were referred to specialized treatment and 3 left the municipality. As such, despite having shown positive effects, the results from this therapeutic approach are not final. The consultations and formal identification of this demand based the creation of a care project centered in therapeutic groups for workers of the health system and other public sectors, like social assistance.

This experience shows that the mental health of the response and repair workers was severely neglected. Said professionals, once inserted in a context of high demands and urgency, were not only subjected to more distress, but also had limited opportunities to seek or receive care. As an expanded occupational accident, the unique perspective from teams specialized in occupational health played a key role in this practice, which facilitated the proper assistance required for such a scenario.

Key messages

This experience reaffirms the need to include health care measures, including mental health, for workers responsible for assisting populations affected by disasters. Worker’s Health Reference Centres of the Brazilian public healthcare system have a prominent role in health vigilance and assistance for all workers affected by expanded occupational accidents.
Flu vaccination coverage among healthcare workers: the example of younger generations
Authors: Di Pumpo M , Lanza T E , Villani L , Aulino G , Barbara A , La Milia D I , Moscato U , Damiani G , Ricciardi W , Laurenti P
Published: October 2020

Flu vaccination is highly recommended among Healthcare Workers (HCWs). The low coverage in Italy among HCWs (mean 15.6% for 2016/17 flu season, ECDC) calls for new approaches. The aim of this study was to evaluate in which measure the vaccination coverage among HCWs registered during the 2019-2020 flu vaccination campaign in a large Teaching Hospital in Rome was affected by age and education.

A retrospective observational quasi-experimental study was conducted. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis (chi-square test, significance level of 0.05) were performed. The 2019-2020 flu vaccination campaign was aimed at more than 4000 employed HCWs (total coverage 24.2%). Vaccination was also extended to not-employed HCWs such as Medical Residents (MRs) and Medical Students (MSs) in clinical training. The coverage in this groups was higher (46.0% and 63.2% respectively) and the difference between them and the coverage among employed HCWs was statistically significant (p < 0.05); Further analysis was performed comparing MRs / MSs in clinical training with their respective professional group of employed HCWs, with a percentage of vaccinated Medical Doctors (MD) of 36.6%. MRs / MSs in clinical training coverage was higher than MDs coverage and the difference still proved to be statistically significant (p < 0.05).

The higher coverage among MRs / MSs in clinical training could be explained, in general, in light of the more open-mindedness to prevention and to healthy lifestyles that characterizes young people with an up-to-date education. It could also be explained considering the specific culture and sense of responsibility of Medical Students and Medical Residents towards their high-demanding educational path and clinical training as an incentive not to get ill.

Flu vaccination is highly recommended among HCWs. Younger generations, who represent the future of Healthcare, prove to be more open-minded and responsible towards good prevention practices such as this.

Key messages

Flu vaccination is highly recommended among HCWs. Younger generations, who represent the future of Healthcare, prove to be more open-minded and responsible towards good prevention practices.
Prevention of perinatal hepatitis B virus transmission: are we missing something?
Authors: Pinon M , Kakaa O , Carpino A , Giugliano L , Calvo P L , Zotti C M
Published: October 2020

Background

The prevention of perinatal Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is crucial to reach the WHO's challenge to eliminate viral hepatitis as public health threat by 2030. After diagnosing 2 infants infected by vertical transmission, a retrospective analysis of policies and practices to prevent HBV congenital infection was conducted to assess any potential risk.

Methods

Paired maternal-infant medical records between 2017 and 2019 were reviewed at A.O.U Città della Salute e Scienza di Torino, the italian hospital with the highest number of deliveries. Data included maternal HBSAg and coinfection (HIV, HCV) status and the administration of prophylaxis in newborns at risk. Other serologic markers of HBV maternal infection were not available.

Results

132 (0,6%) newborns from HBsAg positive mothers were identified between 2017-2019 among 21143 newborns. In this group pre-natal HBSAg status was known in 127 (96,2%), the remaining were tested during the hospitalization. Regarding maternal coinfection 130 (98%) were tested for HIV (1 positive), only 60 (45.1%) for HCV (all negative). All newborns received immunoprophylaxis consisting in the administration of vaccination and immunoglobulin: 119 (89%) within 24 hours (63% within 12 hours), 12 (9%) between 24-36 hours and 2 (1,6%) after 36 hours. The 2 cases of vertical transmission, even if correctly vaccinated, show a vaccination failure of 1,5%.

Conclusions

Although most of the mothers were tested for HBSAg status and all newborns were given immunoprophylaxis, vaccination failure seems to explain the 2 cases of vertical transmission. Since the lack in early maternal serologic screening and the late vaccination time could increase the risk of HBV infection, to achieve WHO goal we suggest to implement a multidisciplinary pathway to identify HBV positive mothers, to treat in case of high viral load, to provide a timely immunoprophylaxis considering a early vaccination and to set up a structured postnatal serologic check for newborns at risk.

Key messages

Vaccination failure must be considered in the service organization, a structured postnatal serologic check for all newborns at risk should be implemented to detect potential vaccination failure. A multidisciplinary pathway to identify HBV positive mothers, with a full serological markers set, should be implemented to give a correct maternal therapy and newborn prophylaxis.
Integrated strategies of participatory surveillance to promote flu vaccine coverage in HCWs
Authors: Rizzo C , Zaffina S , Vinci M R , Santoro A , Gilardi F , Ciampini S , Pandolfi E , Campagna I , Carsetti R , Raponi M
Published: October 2020

Problem

Influenza represents a threat for healthcare facilities where sudden outbreaks of illness can lead to high morbidity and mortality in vulnerable patients and increase absenteeism in HCWs. Despite WHO recommends annual influenza vaccination of HCWs, flu vaccine coverage (FVC) remain very low in most EU countries.

Description of the Problem

Despite an important increase in FVC recorded in last years in our hospital, FVC remains under 75%. We pilot a prospective cohort study in HCWs in order to test new methods for influenza vaccination promotion. We create a web-based system integrating information on vaccination status (unvaccinated HCWs, 1/2/3 years vaccinated ones) and demographic data. The Hospital Ethical Committee approved the study. During the 2019/20 influenza season we nested a test-negative case-control study in the cohort to evaluate Influenza vaccine effectiveness against influenza-like-illness (ILI) laboratory confirmed as influenza in HCWs.

Results

A total of 443 on 2675 HCWs were recruited in the cohort and weekly received specific SMS messages and phone call for a personal invitation to get flu shot. The median age of the cohort was 43,3 (range 21-72) with 128 male (28,9%). In the cohort a FVC of 26/205 (12,7%) was registered in HCWs never vaccinated in the previous 3 seasons. Nasopharyngeal swabs were distributed to 205 subjects for influenza confirmation and they received weekly messages in order to check their health status remanding to self-swab in the case of ILI symptoms.

Lessons

Using a new and integrated strategy for influenza vaccination promotion in HCWs can increase the FVC. The use of personal direct messages to HCWs and the possibility of confirming or excluding influenza in case of ILI symptoms in those vaccinated and unvaccinated, seems to be very effective in increasing vaccine coverage. Moreover, the cohort could be also used for further research studies as for example the effect of repeated influenza vaccination.

Key messages

The presented practice appears to be effective and could be applied to larger HCWs population. This strategy could be considered as a good practice of workplace vaccination promotion.
Does health literacy go in line with the pro-ecological mindset among vegetarians?
Authors: Kowalik I , Duplaga M
Published: October 2020

Background

Followers of plant-food based diets (PFBD) may be motivated by health-related, ethical, religious or economic reasons. It is also a commonly held belief that vegetarians and vegans demonstrate a pro-ecological mindset. However, ecological attitudes and practices of people following diets based on plant food have not been studied extensively. The aim of this study was the assessment of ecological attitudes and practices among persons following vegetarian or related diets.

Methods

The users of Facebook groups or fora for people following PFBD were invited to the online survey. It was performed with integrated tool consisting of the 16-item European Health Literacy (HL) Survey questionnaire, a short, 18-item, ad hoc tool exploring ecological knowledge (EK), attitudes (EA) and practices (EP), and a set of items asking about sociodemographic status. Combined scores reflecting ecological variables and HL were used for further analysis.

Results

The study group consisted of 127 respondents, of whom 83.5% (n = 106) were women. Mean age (standard deviation) was 26.3 (7.2) years. Of the respondents, 19.7% (n = 25) followed vegan (V), 37.0% (n = 47) lacto- and/or ovovegetarian (LO), 10.2% (n = 13) macrobiotic and/or pescovegetarian (MI), and 18.9% (n = 24) pollo- and/or semivegetarian (PS) diet. Higher HL was associated with higher EA (mean score (standard deviation): 34.63 (4.66) vs 31.78 (5.53), U Mann-Whitney U test, p = 0.011) and AP (4.99 (0.70) vs 5.57 (0.67), p = 0.004), but not with EK (3.91 (1.14) vs 4.08 (1.01), p = 0.55). EA was also associated with the type of diet (ANOVA Kruskal-Wallis test, p = 0.031). Higher EA was seen in the V than in the PS diet group (35.24 (4.45) vs 31.00 (5.00), post-hoc test, p = 0.043).

Conclusions

Among persons following PFBD, higher EA and EP are associated with higher HL. Development of HL may be associated not only with improved health outcomes but also with higher acceptance of pro-ecological approach.

Key messages

Pro-ecological attitudes and practices revealed by persons following plant food-based diets are associated with the level of health literacy. Environmental awareness depends on the type of followed diet.
A reasoned action approach to understand vaccination intention among healthcare professions students
Authors: De Nard F , Rivolta S , Letzgus M , Gaiazzi M , Carnevali D , Cavazzana L , Gervasi F , Schulz P J , Castaldi S
Published: October 2020

Background

Understanding the predictors of vaccination intention among healthcare workers, including students in healthcare professions (SHPs), is crucial for policy making and for the development of evidence-driven training programs. The reasoned action approach (RAA) model includes three components to predict intention: attitude (experiential/instrumental), perceived norm (injunctive/descriptive), and perceived behavioral control (capacity/autonomy). We aimed to investigate the predictors of seasonal Flu vaccination intention among SHPs of the University of Milan.

Methods

We spread an e-survey to all medical residents and first- and last-year SHPs (medicine, nursery, midwifery, healthcare assistance and prevention techniques). The strength of association between measures of RAA components (as well as sociodemographic data, past vaccination behavior, vaccination knowledge, and perceived vaccination facilitation strategies), and vaccination intention was estimated using uni- and multivariate logistic regression models.

Results

Among 5743 invited SHPs, 884 participated in the survey and were included in the descriptive analyses (52,3% medical residents, 19,9% medicine, 21,1% nursing, 3,6% healthcare assistance, 2,7% prevention techniques and 0,5% midwifery students). Twenty-nine psycho-attitudinal items with an overall Cronbach alpha >0.7 were included in the analyses. The regression analyses were performed on 751 subjects who filled in completely the survey. Past vaccination behavior, vaccination knowledge, experiential attitudes, and perceived vaccination facilitation strategies were positive predictors of Flu vaccination intention (OR 8.16, 2.42, 1.96 and 1.15 respectively, p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our results indicated knowledge, experiential attitudes and facilitation strategies as modifiable predictors of vaccination intention among SHPs. Targeted and lasting interventions are needed in order to pursue a change in the strongest predictor, past vaccination behavior.

Key messages

Past vaccination is the strongest predictor of vaccination intention among students in healthcare professions. Knowledge, attitudes and perceived facilitators predict vaccine propensity among students in healthcare professions.
Hepatitis B virus infection, knowledge and vaccine uptake among hairdressers in Ikorodu, Lagos State
Authors: Aina B A , Olutoye O A
Published: October 2020

Background

Hepatitis B is a major public health concern. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) continues to thrive in developing countries including Nigeria. Occupationally exposed persons like people working in women's beauty salon are at high risk of HBV infection and may play a critical role in the disease transmission via contaminated needles and sharps. The aim of this study therefore was to estimate HBV infection, knowledge level, occupational risk perception and vaccine uptake among people working in women's beauty salons. Also to get them screened and encourage those that are negative to get vaccinated to curb the spread of this infection.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study carried out on 199 people working in women's beauty salons in Ikorodu Local government area of Lagos State. HBsAg screening using a rapid diagnostic test kit was carried out for all respondents to determine their infection status. Questionnaire which assessed their knowledge level and occupational risk perception were completed by trained interviewers and data was analysed using SPSS software.

Results

The result of this study showed that only 2.01% respondents tested positive for the HBsAg screening. Majority of the respondents (69.3%) have poor knowledge about HBV transmission, prevention and vaccine. While most (78.9%) of the respondents don't know their occupational risk of exposure to HBV, 9.0% rated themselves at high risk of occupational exposure. Significant association was observed between level of knowledge and risk perception (P < 0.001). The level of vaccine uptake was very poor as only 1 out of 199 respondents has taken 3 doses of HBV vaccine, 60.9%(120) have not been vaccinated.

Conclusions

The respondents exhibited poor level of knowledge about HBV transmission, prevention, vaccination and went about their occupation without adequate protection form HBV.

Key messages

Screening of people working in women beauty salon is highly imperative to identify those with infection so that they can be treated on time while those that are negative should be vaccinated. Due to the potential roles of people working in women’s beauty salon in HBV transmission, education programs and vaccine coverage policy should be adopted for people in this occupation.
Determinants of influenza vaccination among Polish patients attending primary care clinics (PCCs)
Authors: Dubiel P , Drozd-Dąbrowska M , Biesiada D , Molas-Biesiada A , Ganczak M
Published: October 2020

Background

Influenza vaccination uptake in Poland is one of the lowest in Europe. The study objective was to evaluate influenza vaccination coverage and influencing factors among PCCs patients.

Methods

The study was conducted (Dec 2019-Feb 2020) among patients ≥55 years of age attending three PCCs, located in Western Poland. The anonymous questionnaire was used. Determinants influencing vaccination uptake were compared using the Fisher exact test (p-value<0.05).

Results

Among 363 participants (60.3% females, age 55-97 years, median 66 years), 27.8% had been vaccinated in the 2019/2020 season. The majority of vaccinated patients (61.6%) declared that their decision was based on the recommendation of a family doctor. The most commonly reported reason for not being vaccinated was a lack of belief in vaccination efficacy (43.3%). The percentage of vaccinated individuals was significantly higher among those: living in a rural area/a small town (p = 0.001), having been vaccinated in the previous season (p < 0.00001) or anytime (p < 0.00001), having a vaccinated family member (p < 0.00001), considering themselves to be in a risk group (p < 0.00001), who received information about influenza vaccination from a GP (p = 0.0007) and knowledgeable about influenza (p = 0.02). Vaccinated respondents were more likely to plan on being vaccinated the following season compared to those unvaccinated (p < 0.00001). There were no statistically significant differences between vaccinated and unvaccinated patients regarding gender (p = 0.72), age (p = 0.48), health status (p = 0.63) and marital status (p = 0.53).

Conclusions

The vaccination uptake among Polish PPCs patients ≥55 years of age is disturbingly low. Future interventions related to maximizing vaccination coverage should be more tailored, focusing especially on patients living in big cities who have never been vaccinated against influenza. Providing patients with relevant information on vaccine effectiveness, guided by GPs, is urgently needed.

Key messages

The influenza vaccination uptake in primary care clinic patients ≥55 years of age needs to be improved in Poland. As the lack of belief in vaccination efficacy is the important barrier to immunization, providing patients with relevant information, guided by family doctors, is urgently needed.
From epidemiology to public health decision making: analysis on IMD & vaccination strategy in Italy
Authors: Igidbashian S , Caracci F , Bonanni P , Castiglia P , Conversano M , Gabutti G , Icardi G , Lopalco P L , Vitale F , Checcucci Lisi G
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Invasive Meningococcal Disease (IMD) is one of the most severe vaccine-preventable disease, with high fatality rate and severe sequelae in up to 20% of survivors. MenB, MenC and MenACWY vaccines are available in Italy, but recommendations vary among Italian regions in terms of type of vaccines and targeted age groups. The aim of the study is to describe epidemiology of IMDs in order to provide the best vaccination strategy.

Methods

IMDs surveillance data in the period 2011-2017 from the Italian National Health Institute were explored. Excel was used to present trend analysis, stratifying by age and serogroups.

Results

In Italy, during the period 2011-2017, IMDs overall incidence increased from 0.25 cases/100,000 inhabitants in 2011 to 0.33 in 2017. Most cases after 2013 were caused by non-B serogroups (52%, 52%, 66%, 64%, 59% from 2013 to 2017). Although incidence is highest in 1 years old children, the number of cases is highest in the age range 25-64. The number of cases in this age-range had a steady increase after 2013 (36 cases in 2011, 79 in 2017), with serogroups C, W and Y present in more than 65% of cases in 25+ age ranges after 2012.

Conclusions

IMD is a rare but severe vaccine-preventable disease. The key role of public health is to monitor disease serogroups, trends and outbreaks and strengthen methodological evidence-based tools for decision-making processes, public health policies, planning of healthcare services and intervention measures, including immunization. The increase in incidence shown in the period 2011-2017 in Italy, although probably due to better surveillance, highlighted the high circulation also of non-B serogroups and the importance of the disease in the adult population. Based on our analysis we believe that anti-meningococcal vaccination plan in Italy should include the highest number of preventable serogroups and be aimed to the whole population through a multicohort strategy, including boosters in children and in adults.

Key messages

Anti-meningococcal vaccination plan in Italy should include all the preventable serogroups and be aimed to the whole population with a multicohort strategy including boosters in children and in adults. The increase in incidence of IMD in the period 2011-2017 in Italy highlighted the high circulation also of non-B serogroups and the importance of the disease in the adult population.
Influenza vaccination coverage among Polish pregnant women
Authors: Łukowska P , Biesiada D , Molas-Biesiada A , Dubiel P , Leonczuk D , Gańczak M
Published: October 2020

Background

Despite strong recommendations, influenza vaccination in pregnacy is still a controversy in Poland. Therefore, this study evaluates vaccination uptake and its determinants, as well as knowledge about influenza among Polish pregnant women.

Methods

A cross-sectional study based on an anonymous questionnaire was conducted between September 2019-February 2020 among consecutive pregnant women admitted to obstetric wards in 2 teaching hospitals located in Szczecin, Poland.

Results

Response rate was 88,6%. A median age of 210 respondents was 30 years (range: 16-44); 66.7% reported chronic diseases. Only 16.7% believed that they are at risk regarding influenza, 24.3% had ever received influenza vaccine (5.9% reported receiving vaccination in the 2019/2020 season); only 9.0% were planning on being vaccinated against influenza in the following season. The main reasons for not being vaccinated were lack of confidence in vaccine effectiveness (52.8%), concerns about side effects (26.1%) and lack of information about influenza vaccination in pregnancy (23.0%). Most respondents (89.0%) had heard about influenza vaccination, however, the mean knowledge score about influenza was 8.9 out of 17. Those who had heard about influenza vaccination were more likely to be immunized than those who did not (26.7% vs 4.3% respectively; p = 0.02). The uptake in those with a vaccinated family member was higher than in the group with no vaccination in family (48.8% vs 8.6% respectively; p < 0.001). Respondents who had obstetrician's recommendation regarding influenza vaccination had higher immunization coverage than those who did not (57.9% vs 20.9%; p = 0.003).

Conclusions

The influenza vaccination uptake in the population of Polish pregnant women is disturbingly low. Improved information channels and education strategies, specifically guided by obstetricians, are needed to increase the uptake. A recommendation from family may positively influence vaccine acceptance.

Key messages

The influenza vaccination uptake in the pregnant women in Poland needs to be improved. Obstetricians and GPs should maximize their efforts to play a more active role in influenza immunization communication and delivery among pregnant women.
Immunisation status against major diseases preventable with vaccines in multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Bezzini D , Battaglia M A , Ulivelli M
Published: October 2020

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients are more susceptible to infections than the general population due to the utilization of immunosuppressive drugs (DMDs) which require particular attention to the occurrence of infectious events. So, immunisation policies are mandatory or recommended.

Methods

In this pilot study, subjects receiving a diagnosis of relapsing-remitting MS since 2011 at a MS center in central Italy were enrolled. The immunization status against major infectious agents and safety of most used vaccines were recorded.

Results

103 patients (67% females), mean age 42 years, with no or mild disability (85%) were examined. The majority received vaccines against poliomyelitis (92%), hepatitis B (47%), tetanus and diphtheria (89%), but a small percentage got boosters every 10 years (31% for tetanus and 28% for diphtheria); other vaccines evaluated: pertussis (37%), mumps (23%), meningococcus B, C (5%), flu (1%). Evaluating immunization status due to vaccines or illnesses, a significant percentage of patients using immunosuppressive drugs was susceptible to infections, such as measles (44%), chicken pox (32%) and rubella (65%). Only 17% of patients were vaccinated after diagnosis and, regarding vaccine safety, only 1 had a relapse within 6 months following measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.

Conclusions

This study shows a very low number of vaccinations among patients, confirming the need of preventive information on their importance and safety for MS patients: major adverse events of therapy in MS include severe infections and the majority of patients are female in reproductive age. This pilot phase was followed by an ongoing study involving 25 Italian MS Centers and 3000 patients that will provide in 2022 useful results on vaccination policies and safety. The knowledge of immunisation status is crucial for the clinical practice in the management of DMDs, and for the public health policies for a vaccine campaign targeted to MS patients.

Key messages

Lack of information on vaccine safety bring to a low adherence to immunization program. The immunization status of patients is essential for a correct management of therapies.
ZIGZAG-KM for a comprehension and integrated action as answer to the Emergency Climate Declaration
Authors: Martinez-Herrera E , Gutierrez M , Molina J C
Published: October 2020

Background

The headline goal for SDG13 focus specially on strengthening resilience, adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters as well as integrating climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning. In Colombia, the increase in rainfall and temperature jeopardize the well-being of the population. The Transdisciplinary Seminar on Environmental Health and Climate Change drives the strengthening of multisectoral research on impacts and vulnerability in the territory, promotes the construction of collective adaptation strategies that mitigate the health effects of recent emergency climate declaration.

Objective

ZIGZAG Knowledge Management (ZIGZAG-KM) generate common points from a collective construction on the Climate Change Adaptation Plan from the Environmental Health Component guided by participants. The steps of this methodology lead the stakeholders to develop practical constructions with freedom of adaptation and change, capacity for a new learning culture and an opportunity for collaboration in a team that identifies and balances their interests from a community approach, local resilience and citizen science. After 18 months we concrete a consensus Report on the determination of the contextual vulnerability analysis as a technical outcomes, nowadays, the scientific results are running on and will be included in a Report of collaborative learning about citizen scientists oriented for implement strategies of the adaptation plan with a community approach for Antioquia and the strengthening citizen participation actions to impulse collectively resilience to climate change. This Seminar was structured about multidisciplinary theoretical rules and transdisciplinary practical considerations, which will contribute in the social understanding of adaptation strategies.

Conclusions

In spite of the efforts, the culture of knowledge transformation continues to be limited due to interests that may arise among the participants.

Key messages

ZIGZAG-KM learning guided by experts, decision makers and defenders of health and the environment. Transdisciplinary orientation in thematic dialogues and actions is useful health adaptation on Climate Change and Emergency Climate Declaration.
Relationship between air temperature and mortality in two Portuguese cities
Authors: Isoppo C S , Fernandes A C , Romana G Q , Sequeira R , Pinho M J C , Rodrigues E F A , Sousa P
Published: October 2020

Background

Current global climate changes are significant and the concern with temperature-related mortality have been investigated, especially related to extreme heat. In the current Portuguese scenario of health decentralization to municipalities, knowing the local climate profile associated to other risks allows public policies to be implemented to protect population.

Methods

The present study is observational and cross-sectional in two Portuguese cities, Odivelas and Torres Vedras. The daily data on average temperature and the number of deaths were analyzed between 2015 to 2018. The data were provided by statistics Portugal and Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere. For data organization and preliminary analysis, Microsoft Power BI and Phyton software were used.

Results

A scatter plot of the average day-temperature versus the number of deaths showed that the variables did not present a clear functional form, but there is symmetry on the graph. Preliminary analyzes were performed between these variables which resulted in a Pearsońs coefficient of -0.17 (p-value = 0.000, confidential interval = 95%) for Torres Vedras and -0.21 (p-value = 0.000, confidential interval = 95%) for Odivelas. The negative coefficient means the lower the temperature, greater the number of deaths. However, these results show that the coefficient is weak and there is no correlation with each other.

Conclusions

The result shows that the average day-temperature and the number of deaths is not correlated and it will be necessary to include other variables in the study. Other data will be assessed, including period and related factors (season and seasonality, for example). The statistical evaluation for the maximum and minimum temperature data for the day will be applied. Gender and age will be available too. In addition, mortality, morbidity, medication consumption and other environmental variables will also be analyzed.

Key messages

We believe that the results of this study will provide data for the development of public health policies. The decentralization of health to cities is a challenge that needs data support.