bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eating habits of heavy industry workers
Authors: Zajac J , Helbin J , Potocki A
Published: October 2020

A balanced diet that can satisfy energy and nutrient requirements should be the main component of a healthy lifestyle, especially for physical workers.

We aimed to assess coke plant workers' nutritional habits on the basis of 24-hour dietary recalls. Workers were performing similar physical activities and were exposed to a similar environment, measured with 1-hydroxypyrene in urine samples. For each worker, 3 records were collected (2 random weekdays and 1 holiday). Dietary recalls were analyzed using the dietetic program (DietPro) and Statistica 13 software. 53 men, aged 20 - 60, employed at the coke plant were enrolled in the study between April and June 2018. An Average 1-hydroxypyrene concentration was 2.1µg/g creatinine (SD 4.33). Mean BMI was 26.1 and 36.3% of participants were overweight. The average caloric value of recalls was 2594 kcal. Proportions of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats were disturbed. The highest average intake was noted for fats 44% ± 5.7%, with a maximal value of 56%. The proportion of proteins on average reached 37%± 5.6% of total energy intake, the lowest intake was 25% and maximal 49%. Higher intake was noted for younger workers (<40 years old, p < 0,01). The younger population was eating significantly more animal proteins (p < 0,01). The average intake of carbohydrates was 18% ± 2.8%. Vegetable intake ranged from 0g to 541g per day (median value 113g). Fruits were underrepresented in workers' diet with a median of 5g per day and maximal intake reaching 193g. The intake of B vitamins was significantly higher among younger workers. Nutrition habits of the analyzed group stand out many dietetic recommendations from proportions of macronutrients and food fiber to low mineral elements intake. Though there are plenty of different educational programs that promote a healthy lifestyle and healthy eating none of them are designed for working-age men, especially for physical workers.

Key messages

Type of diet described in the study is connected to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, especially in combination with exposition to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. There is a need for organized education for heavy industry workers.
The effect of food insecurity on the prevalence of adult obesity in New Jersey counties
Authors: Sadhu R , Souza M , Borges C
Published: October 2020

Obesity and food insecurity are prevalent public health concerns that influence factors at both the individual and community levels. Given that obesity is linked to a number of health concerns including heart disease and diabetes, national efforts have been formed to reduce obesity rates among these populations. The purpose of the study is to determine the effect of food-insecure households and associated risk factors on the prevalence of obesity among adults in New Jersey counties. The researchers hypothesized that counties with higher rates of food-secure households and associated risk factors would yield higher rates of obesity among the adult population. An ecological cross-sectional study was performed using secondary data from New Jersey Health Assessment and Census databases focused specifically on all 21 counties in New Jersey. The independent variables were selected from the social indicators available in the datasets consulted: food insecurity rate, physical activity rate, median household income, frequent mental health distress, routine health visit, and percent of adults self-reporting good, very good, or excellent health status. These independent variables were tested against adult obesity rates among New Jersey counties. It was revealed that rising obesity rates among adults were linked to increased rates of food insecurity, lower median household income, and lower perceived health status. Future research may investigate additional social determinants in relation to obesity rates in order to improve public health interventions within communities to increase health outcomes among adults.

Key messages

Obesity and food insecurity are prevalent public health concerns that influence factors at both the individual and community levels. Rising obesity rates among adults are linked to increased rates of food insecurity, lower median household income, and lower perceived health status.
Baby foods available in the Portuguese marketplace and the application of nutrient profile models
Authors: Santos M Coelho , Assunção R , Matias F , Castanheira I , Rito A , Loureiro I
Published: October 2020

Background

An investment in nutrition at the earliest possible stage, providing appropriate complementary feeding, is critical to ensure proper growth and to prevent noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Food and drinks high in fats, free sugars and salt are being marketed for consumption by young children and represent particular concern.

Aim

This study aims to determine the compliance of complementary foods (CACFs) for infants and young children sold in the Portuguese marketplace according to WHO draft Nutrient Profile model (NPM) for infants and young children between 6 and 36 months (1).

Methods

A sample of 128 CACFs was collected. Using nutritional food label information, products were divided into four food categories: dry, powdered and instant cereals; dry finger foods and snacks; meals with chunky pieces; and soft-wet spoonable, ready-to-eat foods. Packaging information was used to determine sodium, fat and sugar content per 100 g and percentage energy from total sugar by food category.

Results

Twenty-eight products (22%) comply with all the criteria established in the NPM. All the evaluated dry, powdered, and instant cereals, dry finger foods and snacks and meals with chunky pieces (n = 55) comply with recommendations proposed for total fat (≤4.5 g/100 kcal). Analysis of energy contribution from total sugars reveals 9 % (n = 5) of dry finger foods and snacks comply with the proposed criteria < 15% total energy from total sugars. The 73 soft-wet spoonable, ready-to-eat foods assessed, 74 % (n = 54) comply with the sodium thresholds of 50 mg/100 kcal, 64 % (n = 47) had a content ≥ 60 Kcal/100 g and 74 % (n = 54) contained over 20% of energy derived from sugar.

Conclusions

CACFs available in the Portuguese marketplace are characterised by products with high proportion of calories derived from sugar, promoting an environment that encourages development of sweet-taste preferences and adverse health outcomes resultant from the overconsumption of sugar in early life.

Key messages

There is an urgent need for updated regulations to support and guide product reformulation. A nutrient profile model for CACFs will establishes compositional thresholds and provides guidance on product-labelling and promotions.
Detection of Klebsiella pneumoniae complex in carrots
Authors: Ciarrocchi A , Cornacchia A , Marzio V D , Centorotola G , Marfoglia C , Saletti M A , Manzulli V , Galante D , Pomilio F
Published: October 2020

Background

Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kp) is an opportunistic pathogen now acknowledged as an urgent threat to human health because it is multi-drug resistant bacteria. The role of food as reservoir or carrier of Kp is under investigation, at the same time the optimization of the method to detect Kp in food is ongoing. The study was aimed to detect Kp in carrots using conventional method and to screen Real-time PCR performances, targeting intergenic sequence between zur and khe, based on INRA and Pasteur Institute method

Methods

A total of 60 samples of carrots were tested. The samples (25 g) were added to 225 ml of Buffered peptone water and incubated at 37 °C and at 44 °C for 24h. After incubation broths were subjected to Real-Time PCR, and one loop streaked on SCAI + inositol agar. Plates were then incubated at 37 °C and at 44 °C for 48 h. After incubation a maximum of 5 typical colonies were selected, subcultered on Nutritive agar and identified by MALDI-TOF MS.

Results

The RT PCR gave 29 positive samples, according to the presence of Kp detected at least in one of the two temperature conditions of broths incubation and 31 negative samples. Conventional culture gave, instead, 13 positive and 47 negative samples. Discordance was highlighted in 16 samples, all positives in RT-PCR and negatives with culture method.

Conclusions

Real-Time PCR gave not false negative results, then PCR decrease the time needed to perform the detection in negative samples. The discordance of results could be linked to lack of selectivity of the SCAI agar + inositol, not able to distinguish colonies of Klebsiella spp. Vs similar colonies not Klebsiella spp., the presence of DNA and not viable cells. The process of validation of the detection method is still ongoing, trying to improve selectivity using two selective media for plating. It's necessary to do new trials and to select more typical colonies to increase the probability to detect Kp colonies.

Key messages

Real-Time PCR is able to detect all positive samples, and to shorten the length of the analytical method. To improve sensibility of the analytical method more selective media need to be used.
Nutritional rate in social welfare homes - does it meet the nutritional needs of elderly residents?
Authors: Grajek M , Kobza J , Geremek M , Sobczyk K , Działach E , Szałabska D
Published: October 2020

The adequate nutrition for residents in social welfare homes is one of the basic tasks in terms of living needs. Numerous studies indicate that the amount allocated to nutrition service among institutionalized elderly is insufficient. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between the amount of the daily rate and the quality of nutrition in social welfare homes. The research material consisted of 3000 menus from 30 social welfare homes located in Upper Silesia (Poland). The menus were evaluated using the Diet Quality Index (Kurskal-Wallis test; p = 0.05). In the quantitative assessment we took into consideration: the number of meals, the frequency of consumption of various product groups and the content of selected micro- and macro-nutrients. The research confirmed significant differences in daily rates among institutions; 14% of facilities have a daily rate of EUR 3.00 - 4.00 per person, 21% - EUR 2.00 - 2.99, 48% - EUR 1.00 - 1.99, 17% less than EUR 1.00. The establishments with a higher daily rate (EUR 3.00 - 4,00 - 35%) provide the residents with 5 meals. A similar situation applies to plant products - only 23% of institutions with the rate lower than EUR 2.00 provide fresh vegetables and fruits to residents, and in the case of the rates above EUR 2.00 it is 67%. Quantitative assessment of menus indicated that mean dietary intakes did not meet recommendations for calcium, vitamin D, fat and protein requirements. Fat intake was 1.5 times higher than recommended. This study showed significant relationship between the amount of the daily rate in social welfare homes facilities and the number of meals and the nutritional quality of foods.

Key messages

The adequate nutrition for residents in social welfare homes is one of the basic tasks in terms of living needs. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between the amount of the daily rate and the quality of nutrition in social welfare homes.
Norovirus foodborne outbreak in an agritourism: causes, development and legal consequences
Authors: Masciarelli M , Di Giovanni P , Cedrone F , D’Addezio M , Di Martino G , Meo F , Ranalli E , Saraullo V , Scampoli P , Staniscia T
Published: October 2020

Background

Norovirus is the main causative agent of viral acute gastroenteritis. It is easily transmitted and frequently causes foodborne and waterborne outbreaks. The Food Hygiene Service of ASL 2 Abruzzo received notification of gastrointestinal illness in 33 customers who attended a lunch at an agritourism on 28 July 2019.

Methods

The investigation started immediately. The event was reported to the Judicial Authority and food preparation was suspended. Stool specimens and rectal swabs were collected from 18 guests and 2 food handlers and tested. A questionnaire survey was given to the customers. During the inspection, the Food Hygiene Service sampled some food leftover and water from faucets. Furthermore, it found an incomplete HACCP manual.

Results

The 31 cases of gastrointestinal illness occurred within 12-72 hours and didn't need hospitalization. Among the affected subjects,18 were men (58.1%) with a median age of 51 years. All the biological samples collected from the subjects were positive for Norovirus GII, as revealed by Real Time-PCR. The two food handlers resulted positive for Norovirus GII, but they were asymptomatic. They were tested up to 3 weeks after the outbreak and their feces remained positive. Water and food samples resulted negative, except for raw ham's outer surface, that resulted positive for Norovirus GII. The contamination probably occurred during food preparation.

Discussion

This outbreak was related to food cross-contamination by infected food handlers, likely caused by a failure in application of both personal and food hygiene measures prescribed in HACCP plan. Food preparation restarted on 12 September 2019, but infected food handlers were dismissed until they were positive. The Judicial Authority will file a lawsuit against the food operator business that could lead to imprisonment or fines.

Key messages

Norovirus outbreaks are recognized as a public health concern causing a high number of cases and serious health consequences in children and the elderly. HACCP manual must be customized for each food business and integrally applied by food handlers in order to attain a higher standard of food safety for prevention of foodborne illness.
Accuracy of portion size estimation by canteen and school staff on school meals
Authors: Liz Martins M , Marques A R
Published: October 2020

Background

A correct estimation of food portions is essential for canteen and school staff involved on school meals, affecting children's nutritional status. Thus, it is essential evaluate food portions perception, aiming to improve benefits provided by school meals.

Methods

This study focused on 35 Portuguese public schools of the city of Porto, that daily offer 6500 lunches to children aged 3 to 10 years old. At each school, the food handler responsible for platting at canteen and a school staff member responsible for the daily supervising of school meals was included. In line service, a meal composed by protein component, side dish, vegetables, bread and fruit was randomly selected. Participants estimated food portion sizes in grams by observing portions of each meal component, posteriorly weighed using a digital scale. Estimation and real values were compared for both participants.

Results

A total of 175 meal components were evaluated by 70 observers. Canteen staff underestimated, on average, 36.9g of side dish (p = 0.010), 63.7g of fruit (p < 0.001) and 16.2g of bread (p < 0.001). School staff underestimated, on average, 42.1g of side dish (p = 0.043), 70.7g of fruit (p < 0.001) and 24.1 of bread (p < 0.001). Dish type influenced the portion estimation by school staff with regard to the side dish (p = 0.026), being visual estimate of composed dishes closer to real values compared to non-composed dishes. Canteen staff attend to in-situ kitchen better estimated the portions of fruit and bread.

Conclusions

Food portions of side dish, bread and fruit were underestimated, so it can be concluded that the visual perception of canteen and school staff on school lunch is not accurate. It is essential training to ensure adequate portions serving in school meals and promoting actions for school staff to avoid the encouragement of overconsumption by children. These actions could have a great public health impact either on nutritional status adequacy and on food waste reduction.

Key messages

Food portions estimation of canteen staff was closer to real portion compared with school staff. It is huge the difficulty in visually estimation of food portions on school meals.
Evaluation of the presence of antibiotics in milk samples sold in the region of Campinas - SP
Authors: Lenzi Caminada S M , de Souza Zocante A C , de Souza S J , de Souza Rodrigues V F , Palaria Joaquim I O , Caminada M L
Published: October 2020

Milk is considered one of the most complete sources of health nutrients and is quite susceptible to contamination by antimicrobial residues due to the indiscriminate use of veterinary drugs to treat dairy cattle, mainly in the treatment of mastitis in cows. Antibiotic residues are considered chemical contaminants, arising from the treatment of pathologies of the dairy herd without adequate control of the disposal period provided by each medication.

Milk may also contain residues of other substances from agricultural products and / or inputs and environmental residues, such as: antiparasitic agents, growth promoters, milking hygiene products, heavy metals and mycotoxins. The present study aimed to qualitatively evaluate the presence of antibiotics in raw milk samples, being 2 samples of bovine milk and one sample of goat milk.

The samples of raw, bovine and goat milk were purchased from local stores and were kept at approximately 5 ºC for 8 hours and subsequently frozen at - 6 ºC for conservation purposes.

The tests were carried out at the premises of Hexis Científica, Av. Antonieta Piva Barranqueiros, 385 - Distrito Industial - Jundiaí-SP, which provided training and use of the laboratory. Kit Charm QUAD-1, Test LF-BRPAC-100K, interpretation of the EZ System test (HX0066-00205) which detects the presence of Beta-lactams, Quimolones, Sulfa drugs, Tetraciclynes, Macrolides, Gentamicin, Aminoglycosides and Amphenicols, covering the drugs required in the National Contaminant Waste Plan-PNCRC.

According to the analyzes, the samples studied did not show residues of antibiotics, which demonstrates the responsibility of producers with current legislation and consumers.

Key messages

As for the public health issue, different types of risks are associated with the presence of antimicrobials in milk, such as microbiological, immunopathological and toxic-pharmacological. The carrying out of information actions, in the production chain, regarding the risks arising from the ingestion of food contaminated by antimicrobial agents is essential for consumer safety.
Multiple risk behaviour and socioeconomic status during the transition from adolescence to adulthood
Authors: Tinner L , Wright C , Heron J , Caldwell D , Campbell R , Hickman M
Published: October 2020

Background

Multiple risk behaviour (MRB) means the occurrence of two or more risk behaviours and is associated with a range of negative outcomes. What is unknown is whether MRB is associated with socioeconomic status (SES) in adulthood. This study aimed to examine the association between adolescent MRB and young adult SES and whether those who experienced early life socioeconomic disadvantage also faced greater negative impact of adolescent MRB.

Methods

Two prospective birth cohort studies; British Cohort Study 1970 (BCS70) and Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), born in 1991-1992, were used. Logistic regression assessed the association between MRB and young adult SES. Three early life SES variables were examined for their moderating effect on the association using models with and without interaction parameters. Likelihood ratio tests ≤p=0.05 indicated evidence to support moderation. Multiple imputation was used to account for missing data.

Results

Adolescent MRB was negatively associated with young adult SES (university degree attainment) in BCS70 (OR 0.81, 95% CI: 0.76, 0.86) and ALSPAC (OR 0.85, 95% CI: 0.82, 0.88). There was a dose response, with each additional risk behaviour resulting in reduced odds of university degree attainment. In BCS70, maternal education (p = 0.03), parental occupation (p = 0.009) and household income (p = 0.03) moderated the effect of adolescent MRB on young adult SES. The effect of MRB on university degree attainment was stronger for those from poorer socioeconomic backgrounds. No evidence of moderation was found in ALSPAC.

Conclusions

Adolescence is a critical time to address MRB as behaviours established here may have effects in adulthood. Intervening on adolescent MRB may improve later SES and thus health outcomes later in life. Evidence for a moderation effect in the BCS70 but not ALSPAC suggests that measures should be investigated for their ability to capture the nuance of contemporary young adult SES.

Key messages

Intervening on adolescent multiple risk behaviour could improve socioeconomic life chances in young adulthood. Variables that capture the nuance of contemporary young adult socioeconomic status should be explored.
Share your rare with care: a patient corner for the European Reference Networks on Rare Disease
Authors: Rubba F , Montella E , Carannante I , Trummolo M C , Simeone A , Vozzella E A , Magri P , Iervolino A , Colao A , Triassi M
Published: October 2020

Background

The European Reference Network on Rare Disease (ERN) is focused on providing more equitable care across Europe and creates a network of both medical specialists and patient experts. One relevant objective of the activities planned into the ERNs is to address the economic dimensions of rare diseases in order to develop strategies to improve research and patients' access to orphan drugs (ODs) and highly specialized health technologies. The themes built in these preliminary years were directed toward guidelines and policies concerning reimbursement of ODs and direct provision by the healthcare system.

Methods

to proceed further in humanization of care we establish involvement of patients' associations in decision making and implementation of clinical practice guidelines. We built in Federico II University Hospital where 12 ERN were aligned a front office corner shared between patients association and hospital direction in order to face the patient difficulties along the pathway. The corner is open three times a week on the morning, with a dedicated phone number.

Results

Main issues regarded the understanding of the disease and the diagnosis (ie, lack of familiarity with the rare disease, disease heterogeneity, lack of established diagnostic criteria, misdiagnosis,) the development of effective treatments and the need for efficacy along the path way of care (ie, geographical limitations, disease coding systems, ethical and privacy issues). Fewer concerns were about the equity of access and other social pressures. Conclusions In general, in ERN context, few people declared to work in human and social issues, including research on patient's quality of life, patient's awareness, or methods for social support. Our findings demonstrated that Patients were positively affected from the corner initiative: this may ameliorate the use of infrastructures offering services, also that rarely known as national and international biobanking platforms, registries and networks.

Key messages

Humanization of care issues and strategies are nowadays mandatory in rare diseases. Patients are positively affected from shared initiatives.
Health status and health behaviours of the Hungarian homeless caregivers
Authors: Nagy-Borsy E , Szeitl B , Kiss I , Rákosy Z s
Published: October 2020

Background

So far little attention has been given to the physical and mental health of homeless caregivers. Their health behavior can serve as role model for homeless people. For this reason, the aim of our study was to identify the health problems and health behavior of homeless caregivers.

Methods

We conducted a representative nationwide survey including 559 individuals to determine the homeless caregivers' health status and health behavior. The results were compared with the age and sex adjusted data of the European Health Interview Survey 2014 that was carried out in the general Hungarian adult population.

Results

The majority of participants (71%) gave positive ratings to their own health, they considered their health status significantly better compared to the general population (p = 0.002). Of them 34% had chronic disease compared to the 39% of the general population, 27% experienced limitation because of their health problems. Their mental status was worse than the general population, 40% had depression compared to the 23% of the reference. Majority of them (59%) were obese or overweight, those who lived in countryside were more likely to be obese or overweight than those who lived in the capital (p = 0.02). Only 41% of them consumed fruits and 26% of them consumed vegetables on a daily basis. These rates were significantly lower compared to the general population, p < 0.008. Most of them (62%) were occasional drinker. The prevalence of current smokers (37%) were higher among them than in the general population (32%)

Conclusions

In conclusion, the homeless caregivers had worse mental health status than the general Hungarian population. They were also characterized by unhealthy lifestyle such as inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption and high rate of smoking. As caregivers serve as a role model for homeless people, supporting their health and health behavior might have strong effect on health of homeless people as well.

Key message

The survey’s findings indicate the health program for homeless caregivers would be worthwhile specially focusing on smoking cessation, healthy eating and mental health.
The determinants and consequences of forgoing healthcare
Authors: Petrovic D , Sandoval J L , Guessous I , Stringhini S
Published: October 2020

Background

Forgoing healthcare is associated with unfavorable health-related outcomes, a higher risk of hospitalization, and a decreased quality of life. Relatively to its neighboring countries, forgoing healthcare for economic reasons is high in Switzerland, primarily because of the high out of pocket expenditures that characterize the Swiss healthcare system. The purpose of this study was to investigate the determinants of forgoing healthcare, and to examine the long term health-related consequences of unmet medical needs.

Methods

We used data from “Bus Santé”, a cross-sectional study conducted in the city of Geneva (CH). Socioeconomic factors were self-reported by participants at baseline (N = 5032, 2007-2011), including income, education, receiving subsidies, and insurance deductibles (mandatory out of pocket expenditures). Forgoing healthcare for economic reasons was self-reported by study participants, including details about the frequency and the type of forgone care. Prospectively, a subset of participants came for a follow-up visit (2014-2015) in order to assess objective (glycemia, blood pressure, plasma lipids) and subjective health-outcomes (self-reported physical and mental health) resulting from forgone healthcare at baseline.

Results

At baseline, adverse socioeconomic circumstances (lower income, education, receiving subsidies, and high deductibles) were associated with a higher risk of forgoing healthcare (OR range 1.51-5.49, p < 0.015). Four years later, participants who reported forgoing healthcare at baseline were at a higher risk of having lower HDL-cholesterol (β=-0.08 [-0.14;-0.03]), and adverse physical and mental self-reported health outcomes when compared to controls (p < 0.017).

Conclusions

Forgoing healthcare is driven by adverse socioeconomic circumstances, subsequently leading to adverse lipid profiles and poor self-reported health outcomes. Unmet medical needs may constitute a pathway through which socioeconomic status affects health.

Key messages

Adverse socioeconomic circumstances lead to unmet medical needs, even in wealthy countries. Unmet medical needs lead to poor objective and subjective health-related outcomes.
Associations of education and income with alcohol use among Japanese pregnant women
Authors: Murakami K , Obara T , Ishikuro M , Ueno F , Noda A , Kuriyama S
Published: October 2020

Background

Alcohol use during pregnancy can lead to adverse health consequences for the fetus. Identification of pregnant women who are most likely to drink is essential for targeting interventions. However, evidence on associations of education and income with alcohol use during pregnancy is inconsistent.

Methods

We analyzed data from 11484 pregnant women who agreed to participate in the Tohoku Medical Megabank Project Birth and Three-Generation Cohort Study in Japan from 2013 to 2017. Women were dichotomized as current drinker and non-drinker (past drinker, never drinker, constitutionally never drinker) during early pregnancy and during middle pregnancy, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine whether educational attainment or equivalent household income was associated with alcohol use, after adjusting for women's age, work status, smoking, income/education, and their partners' education.

Results

Prevalence of alcohol use during early and middle pregnancy was 21.1% and 6.5%, respectively. Higher education and higher income were significantly associated with an increased risk of alcohol use during early pregnancy; the odds ratio (OR) of ≥university education compared with ≤high school education was 1.54 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.35-1.76), and the OR of ≥ 4 million compared with <2 million Japanese yen was 1.39 (95% CI, 1.20-1.61). Education and income were not associated with alcohol use during middle pregnancy; the corresponding ORs were 1.08 (95% CI, 0.87-1.35) and 1.03 (95% CI, 0.82-1.29), respectively.

Conclusions

Associations of education and income with alcohol use were observed during early pregnancy, not during middle pregnancy. No amount of alcohol and no time to drink can be considered safe during pregnancy. More public health awareness is needed to prevent alcohol use during early pregnancy.

Key messages

Different strategies for preventing alcohol use are required during early pregnancy and during middle pregnancy. Interventions for alcohol use during early pregnancy should focus on women with higher education and/or higher income.
Personality traits and engagement in activities - predictors of life satisfaction for ageing persons
Authors: Reine I , Čama E
Published: October 2020

Background

The aim of the research was to find out, using primary SHARE (Survey of Health, Aging, and Retirement in Europe) data, how personality traits and involvement in activities predict life satisfaction. Two research questions were raised: (1) Is there a connection between personality traits, engagement in activities and satisfaction with life? (2) How do personality traits and involvement in activities predict life satisfaction? In total, 1479 respondents (36.8% (545) men, 63.2% (934) women) were selected from the Latvian sample, over 50 years old (M = 66,58, SD = 11,21), with permanent residence in the territory of Latvia. The results of the study showed that life satisfaction is predicted by personality traits such as neuroticism, conscientiousness, openness and agreeableness. On the other hand, the types of activities offered predict the impact on life satisfaction by engaging in volunteer/charity work.

Conclusions

there is a relationship between personality traits, engagement in activities and satisfaction with life. Personality traits such as neuroticism, conscientiousness, openness, and agreeableness can predict life satisfaction. Practical application of

Results

knowing the personality traits and engagement in activities, as predictive factors for life satisfaction for Latvians over 50 years, will probably indicate which personality traits and some of the offered activities will be taken by those who have not reached 50 years of age. The study was performed within the project/agreement No. 1.1.1.2/VIAA/3/19/540 'Challenges of ageing in the Baltic Sea region'.

Key messages

Personality traits and engagement in activities may predictit life satisfaction in older people. Volunteer work is one of the best predictors of satisfaction with life among older people.
Tobacco content in video on demand services in low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Fitzpatrick I , Byrne D , Cranwell J , Gilmore A
Published: October 2020

Background

There is clear evidence that exposure to tobacco is linked to smoking uptake. The economic and social burden of diseases associated with smoking is particularly high in low-and middle-income countries, where smoking uptake is high and exposure to tobacco use and branded content is widespread. Streamed content exhibits consistently higher levels of tobacco content than broadcast media and these levels have increased. The prevalence of smoking and tobacco content in video-on-demand (VOD) services is troubling given their popularity with youth audiences and the ease with which content can be accessed by children. This is because barriers to youth consumption that exist for film or broadcast media, including content gatekeepers, are absent.

Methods

The most popular VOD series from 10 low- and middle-income countries (Bangladesh, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Pakistan, Philippines, Ukraine and Vietnam) were identified based on demand expressions and coded for individual depictions of tobacco. 18 series were analysed, representing a mix of international content in several languages. 111 episodes, totalling 81.4 hours of coded content, were analysed for tobacco depictions and characterisation of smoking characters.

Results

Tobacco content was prevalent and particularly prominent in non-English language series, where readily identifiable “stars” frequently partook in smoking. Cigarettes dominated tobacco imagery, with other forms (pipes and electronic nicotine delivery systems) rarely appearing. Notably, there were several incidents featuring well-known brands. Given that access to VOD services is difficult to moderate, youth audiences can easily access programming featuring high levels of tobacco use by identifiable characters, played by well-known actors. A lack of control regarding consumption of streamed content means that it is extremely important for content producers like Netflix and Amazon to ensure VOD content is suitable for youth audiences.

Key messages

Tobacco content in video-on demand services is increasing. Tobacco exposure is linked to smoking uptake.
Older men from global settings more vulnerable to clinical changes associated with food insecurity
Authors: Pirkle C , Peltzer N , Câmara S , Gomes J , Ylli A
Published: October 2020

Background

Studies of the food security status of older adults are rare outside of the United States, especially in low- and middle-income settings. Food insecurity may contribute to disease and disability. Using a diverse sample of older adults, we examine the association of food insecurity with clinical and self-reported measures that are related to disease and impairment.

Methods

Cross sectional analysis of 1482 older adults from Kingston and St. Hyacinthe (Canada), Tirana (Albania), Manizales (Colombia), and Natal (Brazil). Outcome measures were Body Mass Index (BMI), waist circumference, and self-reported unintentional weight loss. Food insecurity was assessed with the 9-item Latin American and Caribbean Household Food Security Scale. Covariates were age, sex, study site, and education. Statistical analyses included Student's T-test, Chi-square test, and linear regression.

Results

83% of participants were food secure; 12% experienced mild food insecurity and 5%, moderate/severe food insecurity. Among men, BMI and waist circumference varied significantly by food security status (p < 0.05). Mean BMI among men with moderate/severe food insecurity was 25.5 compared to 27.0 for mild and 27.5 for no food insecurity. The pattern for waist circumference was similar (93.9cm for moderate/severe, 96.7cm for mild, and 98.9cm for no food insecurity). More food insecure men reported unintentional weight loss (13%) than food secure men (10%). This pattern was not observed among women. Statistical adjustment for study site, education, and age did not change the findings.

Conclusions

Significant differences in clinical indicators of disease were observed by food security status in men. At the extreme, low BMI and waist circumference are linked to increased risk of malnutrition, compromised immune function, and respiratory and digestive diseases. Differences in these measures by food security status emphasize the need for gender and age specific food security interventions.

Key messages

Food insecure men experience clinical indicators of disease significantly more than food insecure women. Successful food security interventions may require sex specific focus across global settings. Little research has been done on food insecurity in elderly outside of North America and study findings contribute to significant gap in sex specific research in this population across global settings.
Healthy Mobile Check-In Study: Barriers to exercise for women in high and low SEP suburbs in Brisbane
Authors: Carroll J A , Rodgers J , Lyons-Reid J , Bennett R
Published: October 2020

Previous studies have demonstrated that physical activity (PA) promotes health and reduces risk for non-communicable diseases. However, 55% of Australian women did not meet the recommended levels of PA in 2018-19. There remains a gap in knowledge regarding the individual, household, and neighbourhood barriers to physical activity between women from high and low socioeconomic suburbs. We conducted a mixed-methods study to ascertain subjective accounts of the socioecological reasons for different daily logistics, travel, and PA between these groups. In addition to daily mobility data collated from GIS iPhone apps, in-depth interviews were held with 16 women from the high (Ashgrove) and low (Durack) SEP suburbs in Brisbane. Interview data was analysed at the individual, social, and environmental levels to unearth resistance to PA via these thematic strata. Individual psychological barriers to being active that were unique to low SE suburbs included the 'lack of enjoyment' gained from PA. Both high and low SE suburbs reported being 'time poor'. For low SEP participants, this was driven by financial demands, and for high SEP participants, this was driven by work demands. Both groups reported being burnt out. Individual physical barriers for both groups included sore joints, injury, pelvic pain and weight. Social barriers unique to participants from a high SE suburb included 'opportunities to exercise socially', and 'mother guilt'. Both groups reported 'family responsibilities' as a social barrier. Neighbourhood changes that could increase PA in the low SEP suburb included facilities to increase walkability. Participants from the high SE suburb were largely satisfied with the state of their neighbourhood. This study provides foundational insight into improved public health strategies for increasing levels of PA amongst women in Brisbane from different SEP groups. Our findings support the idea that a combination of broad strategies and a targeted approach is needed.

Key messages

Women from high and low socioeconomic suburbs experience different barriers to physical activity. Health promotion strategies need to accommodate this to improve overall health and reduce inequality. Women from high and low socioeconomic suburbs face psychological, physical and social barriers to exercise. Broad health promotion strategies and a targeted approach is required to address barriers.
No country for old men: gender disparities in Portuguese mortality
Authors: Moreira de Sousa A , Casaca P
Published: October 2020

Background

Portugal is divided into 25 NUTS 3 (Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics). Mortality tracking is one of the core elements of SDG3 indicators. It can also be used as an essential metric to SDG5 on gender disparities. This study looked into gender disparities in mortality in Portugal.

Methods

We used data from Statistics Portugal, precisely the standardized rate of potential years of life lost per 100 000 inhabitants to all causes of death using the standard European population by gender. We subdivided by NUTS 3 and we have plotted PYLL for males, females, and the difference between both for the year 2018 using ArcMap 10.7.1. Further descriptive analysis was conducted in R 3.61 and Rstudio 1.2.5033.

Results

We have found significant gender disparities in mortality. These gender disparities afflicted men the most. In 88% of NUTS3, the PYLL difference of more than 2000 years/100000 when comparing men with women. The higher disparities were in the Azores, Alto Tâmega, and the Douro. Some of the critical specific causes of mortality that lead to this disparity are malignant tumors, mental health problems, alcohol abuse, circulatory system diseases, accidents, and suicides.

Conclusions

We have found that there are significant disparities in gender mortality targeting men. Although it is higher in some Portuguese regions, the problem is widespread. Further research is needed to address the causes of gender disparity in health outcomes in Portugal.

Key messages

Huge gap in YPLL between men and women, starting an young adult age. The urgent need for health programs that target men health problems.
SDGs + Synergies: Design, Access + Aftercare in Global Public Health
Authors: Cesario D , Maswime S
Published: October 2020

As Citizens of the World, in 2020 we have been challenged to frankly + swiftly evaluate public health crises, social injustice + their intrinsic link to our global economies. This starkly pivotal year marks a decade to the deadline to fulfill the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The 17 SDGs are oft-considered the world's best plan towards building a better world for people and our planet. Adopted by all UN Member States in 2015, the SDGs are an international call-to-action to promote prosperity while protecting the environment.

In light of the UN's 17th goal of Partnership, we wanted to amplify the interconnections between the specialties of architecture + health. This particular goal seeks to strengthen the means of implementation + revitalize the global collaboration for sustainable development. As an Architect specializing in Healthcare at SOM's New York office, Founder of WALLEN + daub + the Head of Global Surgery at University of Cape Town, we are approaching sustained well-being from our respective professions. We each serve different geographic markets towards the best outcomes. We pondered the codependency of space + care in creating a healing experience for patients. Global surgery + international healthcare architecture are rooted in serving others. Therefore, we are continuously considering the role of the professional in creating spatial infrastructure as a component of service delivery for care by clinicians.

Progress is evident, but slow. The last Annual SDSN Report found that the best performing city is only making 68% progress toward full achievement of all seventeen SDGs. Of all largely-populated US cities, two-thirds are less than halfway there. As we work globally towards more equitable, healthy + resilient communities (#11), we must further investigate the impact and implementation of the other goals, namely: health + well-being (#3), access to sanitation (#6), + industry, innovation + infrastructure (#9).

Key messages

UN SDGs + public health care (sustainable care + design). Patient Well-being: Collaboration through sustainable development goals, design + care.
Socioeconomic and environmental status of riverside communities of Tapajós River, Brazil
Authors: Rodrigues J , Leite B , Vasconcellos G , Dias L A , Muniz M J , Espinosa M V , Nishida N , Ferrero M V , Reis B , Cabral E R
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Public health care acknowledges socioeconomic factors as one of the multiple facets to promote or protect individual or collective health. Understanding and being more acquainted with the dynamics carried out in riverside communities is fundamental to investing in policies aimed at fighting diseases and illnesses that are particular to those communities.

Objective

Describing socioeconomic characteristics, healthcare infrastructure, and occupational activities of population from riverside communities along Tapajós river, Brazil.

Methodology

A descriptive study with 96 residents of communities of Tapajós river, Brazil. Participants have answered a semi-structure questionnaire and the analyses were descriptive and the variable categories were expressed as frequencies.

Results

There was a predominance of male participants (77.09%), incomplete elementary school (58.51%), involved in agricultural sector (85.10%), with a family income up to 1 minimum wage (68.81%). However, only 21.50% have declared making their living exclusively out of agriculture. Seedlings and seeds are mainly obtained through an exchange system running inside the community. In relation to infrastructure, the water comes from artesian wells (68.88%) and 51.63% claim not treating water whatsoever. All interviewees mentioned the lack of a sewage system and residues are taken to a rudimentary cesspool (76.59%). Waste produced by the community is burned out (93.61%). The main difficulties pointed out by the interviewees were: transportation (44.94%), health (32.14%), communication (21.42%) and government cooperation (15.47%).

Conclusions

The communities in this project show similar structural dynamic based on subsistence family agriculture and poor infrastructure of basic services. The data collected can be the basis for future public policies aiming at the promotion of food production autonomy, economic autonomy, and improvement of health indicators of these communities.

Key messages

Contextualizing the structural dynamic of vulnerable populations is key to plan actions aimed at tackling and dealing with social determinants involved in the health-illness process. Contextualizing the structural dynamic of vulnerable populations is fundamental to guide strategies aimed at intervening in the social and health determinants.
Inequalities in overall survival of oropharynx, oral cavity, and larynx cancers in Brazil
Authors: Menezes F S , de Oliveira A M B , Toporcov T N
Published: October 2020

Socioeconomic inequalities in the survival of head and neck cancer is a widespread concern in developing countries. In Brazil, there are severe social disparities that include access to healthcare. In this context, we investigated whether social inequalities impact the overall survival of patients diagnosed with larynx, oral cavity, and oropharynx cancers in São Paulo State (2000-2018). This hospital-based cohort study used data provided by the São Paulo Oncocentro Foundation (FOSP) in São Paulo State, Brazil. The 5-year overall survival (OS) was assessed by the Kaplan-Meier curves, log-rank tests, and Cox proportional hazard models to calculate the hazard ratio (HR). We considered a confidence level of 95% (95%CI) to indicate statistical significance. Out of the 816,393 cases recorded in the São Paulo State, a total of 37,191 cases occurred in larynx (n = 12,095), oral cavity (n = 12,858), and oropharynx (n = 12,238). The OS was 40.3%, 31.7%, and 23.6% for larynx, oral cavity, and oropharynx cancers, respectively. In multivariable Cox regression, formal education lower than 9 years increased the risk of death in oropharynx cancers (HR = 1.11; 95%CI= 1.05; 1.17), oral cavity cancers (HR = 1.06; 95%CI= 1.01; 1.12), and larynx cancers (HR = 1.09; 95%CI= 1.03; 1.16). The public healthcare assistance has shown to be a factor for a higher risk of death by 79% for oropharynx in comparison to private healthcare assistance, adjusted by age group, gender, clinical staging, and therapy modalities (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery). In conclusion, there is a remarkable social inequality at individual level in São Paulo State that poses a challenge to public the health in order to improve the overall survival in Brazilian patients.

Key messages

Social inequalities reduce the overall survival in oropharynx, oral cavity, and larynx cancers in São Paulo State, Brazil. Tackling social disparities is crucial since they play an essential role in the prognosis of Brazilian patients with oropharynx, oral cavity, and larynx cancers.