bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
2.Y.2. International Health Regulations – role on disease control and global challenges
Authors:   Organised by: Universidade Nova de Lisboa (Portugal), WHO Collaborating Center for Health Workforce Policies and Planning,   Chair persons: Rita Sá Machado (Portugal), Carina Silva (Portugal)
Published: October 2024

The International Health Regulations (IHR) are a legal instrument aimed to control infectious disease epidemics worldwide and that makes countries accountable for monitoring and promptly notifying the World Health Organization (WHO) of events that are likely to represent a public health emergency. The 196 signatory countries are bound by this international agreement. This workshop aims to present evidence on the role and updates of the IHR as a framework for global health preparedness. It will do that by exploring the main components of the IHR and their practical implications for public health practice, with particular emphasis on their function in preventing, detecting, and responding to cross-border public health threats. The workshop will feature four short presentations, in a total of 15 minutes, beginning with three presentations showcasing the findings of literature reviews covering various aspects of the IHR. These topics include the main challenges to implementation, the effectiveness of the IHR during the COVID-19 pandemic, its relevance to travel medicine and zoonosis prevention, and strategies for controlling vector-borne diseases. The last presentation will delve into the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing the IHR at both national and international levels, in the context of the proposals from the Working Group on Amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005). Throughout the workshop, emphasis will be placed on understanding how the IHR facilitate collaboration and coordination among countries during health emergencies, as well as the importance of capacity-building, information sharing, and multisectoral collaboration. This structure will allow for discussion aimed at areas for improvement to the IHR, especially in the context of its revision process and global health governance. We believe the added value of this workshop will be creating a platform for critical analysis and dialogue, sharing insights into the evolution of the IHR, ongoing debates, controversies, and emerging trends in global health regulations.

Key messages

• This workshop provides a platform for in-depth exploration of the IHR’s role in global health preparedness, offering evidence on its components and practical implications.

• Through analysis of challenges and discussions on disease control, attendees will engage in critical dialogue aimed at improving the IHR and enhancing global health governance.
International Health Regulations’ role in zoonosis prevention, and intersection with travel medicine
Authors: Martinho J , Diogo E , Mateus R , Fernandes S , Carvalho T , Dionísio J , Santos M A , Castro Silva C , Melo Ferreira V , Cardoso M
Published: October 2024

Trade interferes with the number and frequency of new species introduced and the possibility of these remaining and dispersing, impacting disease transmission dynamics. The International Health Regulations (IHR) establish the need to ensure veterinary care for animals affected by infectious diseases that pose a risk to public health through isolation, treatment and the demanding of other services. Concurrently, globalisation and increased travel have reshaped disease epidemiology, and new and old pathogens threaten to up-end the balance of travel. Two scoping reviews were conducted to explore the IHR’s role in animal monitoring and control and its interface with travel medicine. The scoping reviews followed Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) framework, utilising the PubMed, B-on, Biomedcentral, ScienceDirect, Medscape, Medline, World of Science, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar databases. English publications and grey literature were included. Regarding animal control, 21 articles were analysed. Most focused-on zoonosis prevention and addressed the international context and highlighted the international significance of applying the IHR for animal monitoring and control, addressing all core capacities. As for travel medicine, other 21 articles were included, highlighting applications in vaccine management, notably for COVID-19 and yellow fever. The IHR and its core capacities are essential in the monitoring and control of animals, with the One Health approach and effort sharing being the ideal method to prevent and respond to outbreaks and pandemics of zoonotic diseases. On the other hand, there is sparse literature about the integration of travel medicine within the IHR framework. Lack of standardisation in methods to evaluate the impact of the IHR is an issue. There’s a need for closer collaboration between clinical practice and legal frameworks to enhance global health preparedness.
3.X.2. Integrating trust as a key component of pandemic preparedness and resilience
Authors:   Organised by: WHO,   Chair persons: Brian Yau (Switzerland), Sandra Machiri (Switzerland)
Published: October 2024

Trust is a key component of pandemic preparedness, which impacts the success of response measures during the public health emergency. Trust is built during preparedness, however the drivers and dimensions of trust are complex and context-specific. What is required is a collaborative, inclusive approach that provides a platform for communities to express their questions and concerns. The proposed workshop will begin with a presentation from a global expert on trust in the content of epidemics and pandemics and the current knowledge about how trust can be built during preparedness. This will be followed by interactive group-work, designed to encourage collaborative discussions and decision-making. Finally, introducing the WHO Hive digital platform that provides a safe space for public health communities to share information and ask questions. Attendees will then reconvene in plenary to discuss these approaches and interventions that can be implemented to build and maintain trust prior to and during an epidemic or pandemic.

This workshop has the following objectives:

1. To demonstrate how trust is an important determinant of successful pandemic response; 2. To enable attendees to explore how the implementation of public health and social measures, infodemic management and digital community partnerships and engagement can build trust during pandemic preparedness for both online and offline communities; 3. To provide opportunity for attendees to workshop how the different features of the Hive digital space can enhance trust building, and to develop actionable strategies for health emergency preparedness, response and resilience.

The workshop will deliver these objectives through an interactive simulation activity. Attendees will be placed into small groups to work through a scenario, having to decide on the actions that need to be taken, considering budget constraints, other health priorities, and the current local context. The teams will co-create actionable strategies for building and maintaining trust. While there is not a one size fits all approach to trust building, this workshop will aim to increase understanding of the drivers and determinants of trust to encourage participants to consider how they can be applied in their local context. It will be interactive and hands-on requiring active participation from participants.

Key messages

• Trust as a construct is an important component of pandemic preparedness and readiness that impacts on response.

• A multidimensional approach to building and sustaining trust needs to considered across a range of drivers and determinants, where actionable strategies are vital.
The state-of-the-art and barriers for the adoption of personalised prevention in Europe and beyond
Authors: Boccia S , Farina S , Osti T , Russo L , Maio A , Scarsi N , Savoia C , Taha A , Pastorino R
Published: October 2024

Personalized prevention is a priority of the European Commission’s research agenda, exemplified by the EU-funded project ‘a PeRsonalised Prevention roadmap for the future HEalThcare’ (PROPHET), a coordination and support action of the International Consortium for Personalized Medicine. It aims to bolster health systems in implementing innovative, sustainable, and high-quality personalized strategies to prevent chronic diseases. In this context, a scoping review was conducted to map personalized preventive approaches (PPA) for chronic diseases and obstacles to their adoption worldwide. The review followed the Arksey-O’Malley guidelines and was conducted from January 2017 to December 2023, on PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and grey literature. Eligible studies were primary reports and guidelines, while for the barriers to their adoption we included literature reviews. We included 120 documents on approaches and 34 reviews on barriers. Among the former, 251 PPA were identified: 69% on cancer, 21% on cardiovascular diseases, and 10% on neurological, psychiatric, and metabolic diseases. Furthermore, 27% were on primary prevention, using omic biomarkers to predict disease risk and guide preventive strategies; 27% on secondary prevention, using genomics to guide screening programs; 46% on tertiary prevention, using pharmacogenomics or targeted therapies to prevent disease complications. Among the 34 reviews on barriers, the majority were about the lack of clinical utility evidence and research needs, ethical and legal issues, and limited knowledge among health professionals, citizens, and patients. The majority of the barriers (76%) were referred to primary and secondary prevention, consistent with the low rates of existing approaches in these areas. Ongoing efforts show promise for tailoring prevention strategies, but further research and integration are needed to maximize their potential in improving population health and reducing chronic disease burdens on health systems.
The 1+Million Genomes Maturity Level Model for Genomics in Healthcare
Authors: Vicente A
Published: October 2024

The 1+Million Genomes Initiative (1+MG) has been fostering reflection in European countries on their national strategies for genomic medicine, and how these can contribute to research development and improved medical practice. For all citizens to truly benefit from genomic medicine, there must be equitable access across Europe. However, European countries are currently at different stages of implementation of genomics in medical practice. To bridge these gaps, health decision-makers need to understand the maturity of genomic medicine practices in their healthcare systems, to make informed decisions about investment, resources, and practices towards optimized adoption of genomics in healthcare systems. This presentation will focus on the 1+MG Maturity Level Model (MLM), developed in the context of the 1+MG Initiative and B1MG project. This MLM was created as a tool for countries to self-assess the maturity of genomic medicine practices in their healthcare systems, and to define a path to optimization. The MLM content was validated through a Delphi survey with international genomics and public health experts, and a pilot in real-life settings was conducted in eight European countries. The 1+MG MLM pilot provided valuable insights regarding common strengths, weaknesses, and asymmetries across Europe, highlighting the need for national and cross-European investments to close existing gaps, and make personalised medicine accessible to all citizens and patients in Europe.
Benefits of cross-border access to human genomes at scale for research and healthcare
Authors: Scollen S
Published: October 2024

Genomics data will soon be routinely generated and integrated into national healthcare systems. To maximise the potential of genomic medicine, data should be accessible for research where possible. This is the remit of ELIXIR, an intergovernmental organisation that brings together life science resources from across Europe. Innovative solutions are needed to ensure the validated research findings for disease or preventative medicine are then integrated into healthcare. To tackle this, the 1+MG initiative, a joint initiative of 25 EU countries, the UK, and Norway, aims to enable secure access to genomics and the corresponding clinical data across Europe for better research, personalised healthcare and health policy making. In the design and scale-up phase (B1MG project), recommendations and guidelines to advance towards the deployment of personalised medicine at a European scale have been produced, adopted by 1+MG and developed into a 1+MG framework. This includes guidance on data governance, standards, quality and infrastructure, recommendations on how to approach citizen engagement and a tool for countries to self-assess implementation into healthcare. The European Genomic Data Infrastructure (GDI) project supports the scale-up and sustainability phase of the 1+MG initiative, to deploy infrastructure across 24 countries to support the overall ambition. Recommendations are being used to promote governance and technical interoperability across European initiatives including the European Health Data Space (EHDS), and European Cancer Image Initiative (EUCAIM). The 1+MG will be established as a European Data Infrastructure Consortia in 2025 and will act as an Authorised Participant in the EHDS providing access to a permanent high-quality federated data collection of genomic and health data that will accelerate research, innovation and policymaking facilitating the deployment of genomic medicine across Europe.
Addressing vulnerable groups in (public) health and humanitarian crises using RCCE-IM strategies
Authors: Aslan D
Published: October 2024

Background

Vulnerable groups, including older people, infants and children, women, people with disabilities, migrant populations, individuals with marginalized sexual and gender identities, etc., become more fragile in public health and humanitarian crises. These groups’ vulnerability limits their access to health care and other services. Labeling, stigmatization, stereotyping, and other negative consequences contribute to the burden. Concurrent with the motto of the World Health Organization, “Leaving no one behind,’ it reminds us of the need for equality and equity-based models to reach these vulnerable groups in such crises.

Methods

Existing scientific literature and perspectives were synthesized.

Results

Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) contains various experiences. Since the pandemic, the need for interdisciplinary approaches and strategies has become more apparent based on the complexity and intersectionality of the determinants of the crisis. In this regard, Risk Communication (RC), Community Engagement (CE) and Infodemic Management (IM) strategies before, during, and after crises might be used to respond to and mitigate the hazards. Preparation plans before the crisis are almost the most effective intervention. However, “during” and “after” crises need considerable steps of RCCE-IM as well. Listening to the concerns of the vulnerable populations, avoiding discriminatory language, providing correct and timely information, using effective communication strategies, using tools to build resilience, and engaging with the community should be built and/or strengthened among the vulnerable groups.

Conclusions

Addressing structural vulnerabilities with public and global health perspective might provide us with more sustainable and efficient solutions. In this presentation, answers will be provided on how to use RCCE-IM strategies in structural vulnerability and the strengths and weaknesses of the system with the proposed solutions based on the global situation.
5.X.2. Improving indoor air quality: a public health challenge
Authors:   Organised by: K-HEALTHinAIR Consortium,   Chair persons: Amy van Grieken (Netherlands), Jose Fermoso (Spain)
Published: October 2024

Indoor air quality (IAQ) may have a profound effect on a person’s physical and mental health and well-being. The Knowledge for Indoor Air Quality and Health (K-HEALTHinAIR) project (grant no 101057693) is an interdisciplinary European research project that brings together 15 partners across 8 countries to study the sources, determinants and health outcomes related to IAQ. We aim to increase knowledge and provide input for more accurate monitoring and interventions, promoting healthy indoor air quality across several public health settings. The main aim of this workshop is to engage the public health community in the relevance of IAQ as a public health concern. We will share the innovative and new methodologies applied in the K-HEALTHinAIR project to study IAQ and health and discuss opportunities as well as challenges in this field of research to support shared learning. This workshop highlights IAQ pollutant sources and determinants, seasonal variation in IAQ, older people’s IAQ and health, and presents the project’s open access platform that is developed to share knowledge. We will zoom in on the evidence available for the sources and determinants of exposure to indoor air pollutants. This activity, a systematic review, was fundamental to identify the gaps of knowledge and guide the preparation of data collection tools. It also depicts the main pollutants present in indoor settings and the respective sources and determinants of exposure. Then, one of the 9 public health scenarios studied in the project is presented. We will focus on the first results regarding (determinants of) IAQ variation in primary schools at several locations in Poland. Next, the pilot study in older people living in senior homes in the Netherlands presents first findings of IAQ and health data in this vulnerable population. Finally, the project will deliver an open-access platform aiming to be the one-stop-shop for IAQ Knowledge. The user-profiles identified are presented. At the end, the workshop participants will be up to date on the project’s activities, its relevance for public health and the open access platform via which all output will be shared. Participants will leave with increased understanding of public health research needed to further study IAQ and its impact on health and well-being.

Key messages

• Indoor air quality is a public health concern impacting health and well-being, especially in vulnerable populations such as children and older people.

• The K-HEALTHinAIR project is a multidisciplinary research project in which innovative methodologies are applied to increase knowledge on indoor air quality and health.
Schools and Indoor Air Quality: seasonal variation
Authors: Badyda A , Muszyński A , Affek K , Doskocz N , Kępa P , Mucha D , Piórkowska A , Rogulski M , Załęska-Radziwiłł M
Published: October 2024

Background

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in schools is a public health concern, given the vulnerability of children as a demographic group and substantial amount of time that they spend in (highly occupied) classrooms. Conditions specific for school buildings, as well as location and outdoor air quality (OAQ), can adversely affect IAQ and children’s health. The aim of this study was to examine the seasonal variation in IAQ and the influence of OAQ herein in primary schools.

Methods

Sampling was carried out in summer and winter in 5 schools in central Poland. A culture-dependent method using impactors was applied to examine the total number of bacteria and fungi. Gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (quartz filters for sampling) was applied to determine concentrations of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), crucial for their health impact.

Results

In poorly ventilated classrooms bacteria levels exceeded that of fungi. Bacterial contamination decreased in efficiently ventilated rooms, and before/after the lessons. In summer fungi concentration in indoor air was higher than in winter and reached the level of fungi outdoors. PAHs concentrations (especially those with 4 and more rings, which are biologically active) and the mutagenicity and carcinogenicity equivalents were elevated in winter and related to changes in concentrations in outdoor air.

Conclusions

IAQ in schools depends on a season. Occupants in classrooms are the main source of bacteria, but the type and number of microorganisms also depend on ventilation conditions. PAHs characteristic of coal/wood combustion indicates that in the absence of internal emission sources, external sources most likely affect IAQ in schools in winter.
Indoor Air Quality and health of older people: a pilot study
Authors: van Grieken A , de Leede S C , Ye L
Published: October 2024

Background

Older people often experience one or more chronic conditions, including respiratory conditions. Indoor air quality may (IAQ) may elevate symptoms of respiratory disease such as coughing. Consequently, people may experience a lower Health Related Quality of Life (HR-QoL). The objective of the Rotterdam K-HEALTHinAIR pilot site is to study IAQ and health among elderly: this study presents the design of the study and preliminary baseline results of IAQ and health.

Methods

A observational study is performed among n = 110 older people living in the broader Rotterdam-area, the Netherlands, recruited via opportunity sampling, hospitals and senior-residential corporations. Participants provide informed consent to participate in the study. IAQ is assessed near real-time using home sensors. An observation checklist captures environmental characteristics of the home. Participants complete a diary every 3 months and a self-report questionnaire at baseline, 6- and 12-months; measures include Health-Related Quality of Life, well-being and respiratory symptoms. Preliminary baseline data (n = 30 baseline questionnaires, n = 25 sensors) were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analyses.

Results

The mean age was 74.3 (SD: 6.3). Average concentrations were 684 ppm CO2 (SD: 723), PM2.5 was 4.8 µg/m3 (SD: 34.5) and average temperature 19.9 °C (SD:1.6). In total 40.0% participants were experiencing asthma and 43.3% COPD. Participants rated their general well-being 72.6 (SD: 18.6) (0-100). No associations were observed between indicators of IAQ and participant self-rated health and health symptoms in this preliminary dataset.

Conclusions

Future data collection will allow for overtime associations between IAQ and a broad range of health outcomes. In the second and third phase of the study we aim to deepen findings and develop interventions.
Alcohol related emergencies among adolescents admitted in a referral acute-care center for adults in Genoa, northwest Italy
Authors: Ferrari A , Mosca S , Ogliastro M , Paolozzi V , Minet C , Orsi A , Icardi G
Published: October 2024

Background

As a result of underage drinking, adolescents have an increased risk of physical, mental, emotional, and social harm.

Methods

In order to assess the emergencies for alcohol use, data of the emergency department (ED) of San Martino Hospital - the referral acute-care center for adults in Genoa, Northwest Italy - was analyzed retrospectively. 330 records of 320 adolescents visiting the ED between 2014 and 2023 were considered.

Results

The median age of access was 16 (IQR 2), 54.8% were males, 17.4% had foreign nationalities, and the average blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was 1.8 g/L (SD 0.7), with 14.7% testing positive for other substances (6.1% benzodiazepines and 11.2% other drugs). 16.8%, 46.6% and 36.6% were assigned an emergency, urgent, and not-urgent acuity code. 2.8% had a repeated episode, 3.4% had to be removed for inappropriate behavior, 7.8% left spontaneously, 13.1% were hospitalized for additional care (5.5% in the Psychiatry ward). The average length of stay was 1.24 days (SD 5.86). Multivariable logistic regression showed that higher age, an emergency code and the use of other substances were positively associated with hospitalization [ORs 1.74 (95%CI 1.1-2.7), p 0.01; 7.1 (95%CI 2.2-22.4) p < 0.001; and 15.6 (95%CI 6.8-35.6) p < 0.001, respectively]. Admission in Psychiatry, in particular, was strongly associated with the use of other substances [OR 11.8 (95%CI 3.8-36.6), p < 0.001]. Multivariable linear regression showed that, in comparison with other access reasons, accidents and decreased consciousness were associated with higher BAC [beta 0.6 (95%CI 0.1-1.1), p 0.01; beta 0.8 (95%CI 0.3-1.2) p < 0.001]. Length of stay, however, was associated with lower BAC [beta -0.2 (95%CI -0.3 -0.01), p 0.04].

Conclusions

In Italy, binge drinking affects 120,000 adolescents aged 11-17. Our findings highlight the harm of this practice and support the need for prompt interventions to reduce the onset and prevalence of adolescent alcohol use.
Characteristics of adolescents with acute alcohol intoxication in Belgium
Authors: van Roozendaal H , van der Lely N , De Dooy J , Glazemakers I , Verhulst S , van Hal G
Published: October 2024

Background

Binge drinking and acute alcohol intoxication (AAI) are common in Belgian adolescents, posing a risk of serious health consequences. To develop cost-effective preventive measures for problematic alcohol use in adolescents in Belgium, more insight into the background of this group is necessary.

Methods

To gain more insight into the prevalence, medical characteristics and context of AAI, a retrospective multicentre hospital chart study was performed on adolescents aged 10 to 18 years with AAI in Antwerp, Belgium from 2015-2021. Furthermore, a prospective intervention study for adolescents with AAI in Antwerp was set up in 2023, of which the first results were not yet known at the time of submission. However, these results will be presented at the conference, if available.

Results

Over the study period, a total of 1032 admissions related to alcohol intoxication occurred in 1016 patients, with a median age of 16.6 years old and a median blood alcohol intoxication (BAC) of 1.95 g/L. There was combined drug use in 10% of the cases. Only 17% of the patients received additional care after admission. These findings did not significantly change over the study period. Multiple linear regression analyses indicated that after correcting for covariates, higher age, no combined drug use and decreased consciousness at admission were associated with more severe AAI cases (higher BAC).

Conclusions

AAI is prevalent among Belgian adolescents. Therefore, better-targeted preventive measures and policies are needed. Our findings could be taken into account when developing preventive measures. However, data addressing the demographics and context of AAI were mostly missing. Therefore, a prospective follow-up study was set up in Antwerp, which started in 2023 and is still ongoing. Furthermore, this study will investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of a follow-up intervention for this group of patients.
6.X.1. Disentangling Long-COVID: prevalence, risk factors and impact
Authors:   Organised by: Santé Publique France (France), Western University (Canada),   Chair persons: Tatjana Makovski (France), Saverio Stranges (EUPHA-CHR)
Published: October 2024

Background

Prolonged symptoms after the acute SARS-COV2 infection significantly alter daily functioning and work ability for substantial number of people. Application of different long COVID definitions result in variable prevalence estimations, while aetiology of long COVID as well as its impact is insufficiently understood. Our workshop is set to discuss the public health impact of long COVID in the general population, to identify risk factors of developing long COVID, and stimulate dialog to advance adequate health care and public health actions aimed to reduce the impact of this condition.

Objectives and Key Questions

The overall objective is to discuss the public health impact as well as geographic variations across Europe in long COVID prevalence, major risk factors for long COVID and impact on work capacity, accounting for different population-based and hospital study settings. Specifically, the workshop will address the following key questions: 1) what are the challenges in estimating prevalence of long COVID? 2) what are the risk factors of long COVID and some of the most vulnerable population groups? 3) what is a distribution of long COVID in Europe? 4) what is the impact of long COVID on work ability?

Brief Overview

The workshop will include 3 presentations (in combined total duration of 12 min) on challenges for research and practice attributable to variability in defining long COVID, prevalence of long COVID across several European countries, risks factors of long COVID and impact on work ability. Active discussion of 13 min will conclude the session.

Key messages

• Standardized definitions, such as WHO-PCC definition with severity thresholds would facilitate surveillance of long COVID and advance knowledge on the risk factors related to this condition.

• Understanding better the risk factors and impact of long COVID will inform more adequate screening and therapeutic strategies, and possibly anticipate effects of potential new infectious threats.
Long COVID prevalence differences across 27 European countries that participated in the 2021 Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe
Authors: Cuschieri S , Kozela M , Chłoń-Domińczak A , Oczkowska M , Wilk P
Published: October 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant burden in Europe, with over 60% of infected individuals developing Long COVID symptoms. Variations in Long COVID prevalence across countries are linked to individual-level factors, but the influence of population-based country-level characteristics remains unclear. Thus, our objective was to assess how country-level characteristics related to: (i) the way European countries responded to the COVID-19 pandemic, (ii) their population-level health status, (iii) provision and access to healthcare services, (iv) human development, governance, and environmental risk factors, are associated with Long COVID. We used a sample of 4,004 middle-aged and older adults from 27 European countries who, in summer 2021, participated in Corona Survey 2 (from Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe) and who reported COVID-19 infection one year prior to the survey. To assess the potential role of country-level characteristics, while controlling for key individual-level factors, we estimated three sequential multilevel random intercept logistic regression models. Approximately 70% of respondents who had COVID-19 also experienced Long COVID symptoms and there were significant cross-country differences in Long COVID rates, ranging from 32% to 89%. About 13% of the total variance in the risk of having Long COVID can be attributed to cross-country differences and the remaining 87% to individual-level factors. The individual-level characteristics also accounted for 6% of the observed cross-country differences in Long COVID rates (compositional effects) while the country-level characteristics further reduced this variance by over 50%. Both individual and country-level factors influence Long COVID occurrence, emphasizing the need for tailored recovery plans, healthcare planning and resource allocation at the national level to address this condition.
Regional inequalities in years of life lost within the European Economic Area: Using the Gini coefficient and slope index of inequality to assess spatial disparities
Authors: Varga O , Baravelli C , Chen-Xu J , Mahrouseh N , Eikemo T A , Grad D , Wyper G , Badache A , Balaj M , Charalampous P
Published: October 2024

Background

Health inequalities have been linked to reduced life expectations. This study aimed to investigate regional variations in all-cause years of life lost (YLLs) in European Economic Area (EEA) countries prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Demographic data were extracted from Eurostat for 1390 small regions 32 EEA countries. Age-standardised sex specific YLL rates per 100,000 population in 2019 were estimated for EEA regions (Eurostat NUTS level 3) using methodologies derived from the Global Burden of Disease study. Relative spatial disparities were evaluated using the Gini coefficient (GC) and absolute spatial disparities assessed using the slope index of inequality (SII).

Results

Between EEA countries, relative geographical inequality in age-standardized YLL rates was higher than within them, slightly more so for males (GC = 16.96% [95% CI = 16.26-17.65]) than females (14.22% [13.62-14.82]). Among females, the UK (11.21% [95% CI 10.11-12.30]), Greece, and Croatia had the highest relative spatial inequality, while Ireland (3.37% [2.26-4.48]), Slovakia, and the Netherlands had the lowest. For males, Belgium (10.76% [9.34-12.17]), the UK, and Croatia exhibited the highest relative spatial inequality, while Ireland (1.99% [1.18-2.81]), Lithuania, and Slovakia had the lowest. Germany had the largest absolute geographical inequality in YLLs among females (SII=16.86% [16.28 to 17.44]), followed by Estonia and the UK. Among males, Estonia had the largest absolute spatial inequality (36.60% [-10.88 to 84.07]), followed by Latvia and Hungary. Ireland had the lowest absolute spatial inequality for both females and males.

Conclusions

Relative and absolute disparities in premature mortality rates are evident across regions of the EEA, both within countries and across the entire region. These findings offer insights for national and local stakeholders, aiding them in customising public health interventions to target spatial health disparities.
7.X.2. Planetary Health: metaphorical visualizations of transdisciplinary working in practice
Authors:   Organised by: EUPHA-PHPP, -ENV, -HSR, EUPHAnxt, EHMA, WHO/Europe,   Chair persons: Marleen Bekker (EUPHA-PHPP), Marija Jevtic (EUPHA-ENV)
Published: October 2024

Across public health and healthcare practices, we signal low awareness and little urgency for Planetary Health among health professionals as well as lacking or lagging implementation of planned policies. Planetary health requires a ‘just do it’ mentality with a transdisciplinary and reflection-in-action approach. There is a need for a bottom up movement, but HOW to get started and HOW to persevere against all odds? This 25 minute pecha kaucha session is aimed at facilitating transdisciplinary learning for planetary health action. We will start with a brief introduction to the concept of Planetary Health, followed by two short presentations on two metaphorical work processes underlying the startup of a flowering community garden and the preparations for a delicious Italian lasagna. The second half of the session is dedicated to a creative exercise with the audience, generating multiple metaphors in small groups using picture cards, paper drawings. We finalize this session by collaboratively building a visualised sea with transdisciplinary waves of metaphorical innovations that, instead of litter and pollution, make our beaches and shores stronger foundations protective of our planetary life.

Key messages

• Planetary health requires a ‘just do it’ mentality with a transdisciplinary reflection-in-action approach.

• Metaphorical reasoning visualizes social reality and boosts Planetary health mentality, community spirit and transdisciplinary action.
Health coaching: the node of health literacy & health promotion
Authors: Silvestri F , Vital P , Saboga-Nunes L , Bittlingmayer U
Published: October 2024

Introduction

To achieve sustainable health behaviors and outcomes to move from a precarious health situation to good health, people need to be supported in health literacy in behavior change that ensure interventions’ success. As a non-clinical approach, health coaching aims to increase a person’s levels of self-efficacy, confidence and resilience, by promoting the sense of coherence. This communication aims to identify the benefits that health coaching as a salutogenic approach can trigger.

Methods

The work is structured in a narrative review of literature and the lived experience of the authors in health coaching.

Results

The published research on health coaching and the systematic professional experience of the authors highlight: (1) the anchoring of health coaching in the salutogenic model and in the person-centered approach focused on individual characteristics and needs in driving healthy behaviors; (2) health coaching as a collaborative relationship with chronically ill people and people at risk of developing illness; (3) the role of health coaching as a sense of coherence (SOC) promoter; (4) health coaching as a new profession in the healthcare ecosystem (e.g. NHS, UK), cooperating with multidisciplinary teams.

Discussion

From A.Antonovsky’s model approach to health, the SOC stands out and constitutes one of the basic theories in health coaching interventions, by strengthening the person’s capabilities of comprehensibility, manageability, and meaningfulness. As an emerging profession, with ethical and a growing research foundation, it is facilitated by trained professionals in managing and monitoring health behavior change.

Conclusions

Health coaching aims to bring relevance, meaning and strategy to a person’s behavioral change. Health coaching demonstrates positive effects on several health parameters by supporting the implementation of health literacy development and empowering people to trigger sustainable changes that lead to healthier lifestyles.
Promoting mental health in higher education students: a pilot study
Authors: Ilharco A , Pocinho M , Saboga-Nunes L
Published: October 2024

Introduction

The mental health and well-being of higher education students is a relevant topic today, given the high prevalence of mental disorders and their increasing trend. Therefore, it is imperative to develop health education programs that aim to develop strategies to promote psychological well-being and reduce suffering in this population.

Objectives

To develop and implement a mental health promotion program, with interventions based on Yoga/meditation and Auriculotherapy, and evaluate its impact on the mental health of higher education students.

Methodology

Pretest-posttest design, with assessment before (T0), after the intervention (T1) and with a three-month follow-up (T2). Evaluation with the Portuguese version of the Mental Health Inventory (Pais-Ribeiro, 2001), and physiological assessment (heart rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure). 22 students participated in the intervention, randomly divided into two groups: Yoga/meditation group (GY) and Auriculotherapy group (GA), each with 11 students.

Results

The physiological parameters evaluated showed, in all sessions, a decrease in averages, regardless of the technique implemented. In the assessment at T0 and T1, it was found that there was a significant decrease in the Distress (p = 0.037) and Anxiety (p = 0.031) dimensions. In the evaluation over time (T0, T1 and T2), it was found, regardless of the technique implemented, that the intervention had a positive effect on the mental health of the students.

Discussion

The results point to the importance of developing mental health promotion programs in higher education.
Promoting health information and healthy behaviors: Results from a qualitative study
Authors: Peker S , Topuzoğlu A , Hıdıroğlu S , Tanrıöver O , Saboga-Nunes L , Save D
Published: October 2024

Background and aim

Healthy living behaviors can prevent many chronic diseases. This study aimed to explore qualitative perceptions and behaviors about healthy lifestyles in a district’s residents.

Methods

This qualitative research was conducted through in-depth interviews with 24 participants aged 28 to 63 in Türkiye.

Results

Of the 24 participants, six were men. The themes were daily routines; health information-seeking behavior, beliefs, motivation for healthy living, dietary habits, daily movement, psychological relaxation, unhealthy behaviors, facilitators, and barriers. Individuals’ daily routines were shaped by caregiving duties or work. Health information was preferred from professionals, TV, family health history, and the Internet. Male participants lacked the need to seek health information. Also, some participants believed that diseases are unavoidable and incurable. People with growing children or a family member with a serious illness like cancer often report practicing healthy behaviors. Participants have different healthy eating patterns, including organic eating, home cooking, regular meals, more fruits and vegetables, increased water intake, avoiding late-night eating, and steering clear of packaged foods, salt, and sugar. Many participants walked regularly for physical and mental health; they also expressed avoiding negative people and engaging in hobbies and social activities to maintain psychological well-being. Smoking participants had attempted to quit smoking. Some participants said that adding salt to their food before tasting. Factors cited as hindering healthy behaviors included lack of time, financial constraints, and cultural reasons.

Conclusions

Despite awareness of healthy living, many participants struggle to implement it due to lack of motivation, busy work schedules, social and physical environments, and economic factors. Multisectoral collaboration to create environments that support healthy behaviors can improve public health.
10.Y.1. Energy poverty and public health: insights from the European WELLBASED project
Authors:   Organised by: WELLBASED Consortium,   Chair persons: Amy van Grieken (Netherlands)
Published: October 2024

Rising rates of energy poverty in Europe, affecting 11% of households, are a serious public health concern. Being unable to afford basic energy needs can impact both mental and physical health and well-being. The WELLBASED project is a European research project (grant no 945097) in which 19 partners across 10 countries develop, implement and evaluate comprehensive urban programs to tackle energy poverty. We aim to support public health practice by understanding determinants and impacts of energy poverty and develop solutions for policy and practice. This workshop’s main aim is to engage the public health community in the relevance of energy poverty for public health. The workshop participants are introduced to the WELLBASED project and methods used. Two pilot sites will share their story about the implementation of the WELLBASED interventions. Next, findings from the evaluation of the programs on health, well-being and energy poverty across all pilot sites are presented. Implications for policy and practice are shared with the audience. After the workshop, participants are informed about the implications of energy poverty for health, understanding its relevance for public health action.

Key messages

• The WELLBASED project provides a framework to fight energy poverty and promote health and well-being based on studies in six European cities.

• Energy poverty is a public health challenge that requires a health-in-all-policies approach with local evidence-based urban programs.
Valencia and the Right to Energy approach
Authors: Costa Ruiz B , Zea A , Valls J , Garcia-Lepetit N , Jordá P
Published: October 2024

Background

Valencian (Spain) vulnerable households are suffering both winter and summer energy poverty. An increasing number of families have difficulties paying energy bills and are being forced to cut consumption, consequently reducing their well-being and quality of life. This study presents the development and implementation of the Right to Energy urban program in the Valencia pilot city, as part of the larger European WELLBASED project.

Methods

The interventions were designed based on the social ecological model, aiming at impacting the different layers influencing individuals’ health, following co-creation sessions with 6-9 stakeholders from policy, citizens and practice. Implementation efforts were monitored using administration of participation. The experience of the Energy Office was also valuable for the design and implementation phase.

Results

The program consisted of bill optimization and advice, socio-energetic audit at home and the installation of an efficiency kit. On top of that, the Valencia pilot has created the Citizen School for the Right to Energy [CSRE] to empower households and improve their health through education activities. In total, 130 vulnerable households with different profiles were supported. The CSRE has carried out 28 workshops to train people in energy and health topics: energy rights, healthy diet, mental health, sleep quality or preparation for heat waves. These were an opportunity to share experiences among participants, fighting stigmatization and isolation by creating a community. The CSRE has also organized capacity-building sessions for professionals who can identify energy poverty such as healthcare and social workers, teachers or NGO’s.

Conclusions

Energy poverty, both winter and summer, is a major public health issue that impacts people’s health. The CSRE is an innovative way to tackle it and promote the Right to Energy across society by supporting and training people to improve their wellbeing.
Navigating co-creation dynamics: lessons from Denmark
Authors: Ryom Knud
Published: October 2024

Knud will delve into the adaptation of co-creation processes within the Danish context. Drawing from extensive experience Knud will explore collaborative initiatives with both the private/civil sector and municipalities, offering insights into the intricacies of cross-sectoral cooperation. Delegates will gain valuable perspectives on navigating diverse stakeholders and fostering effective partnerships in co-creation endeavours. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from Denmark’s innovative approach to collaborative problem-solving and community engagement.
Voices from the co-creators: perspectives on collaborative innovation
Authors: McCaffrey Lauren
Published: October 2024

Lauren will offer firsthand accounts from co-creators in Scotland involved in the development of an intervention targeting sedentary behaviour in adults. This presentation provides a unique insight into the co-creation process, highlighting the collaborative journey, challenges encountered, and successes achieved. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore real-world experiences and lessons learned from those immersed in the co-creation of interventions.