bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a tool for generating comprehensible, individualized and digitalized outpatient letter
Authors: Jaks R , Nicca D , Künzler-Heule P , Brülke B , Jonietz A , Post R , De Gani S M
Published: October 2024

Background

Patients often remember little from a medical consultation or a conversation with a doctor. A comprehensible, individual patient letter summarizing the consultation can support, as a German project which successfully implemented a digital tool to generate such a letter in inpatient care showed. Based on this, our aim is to develop a tool for letters in outpatient care in Switzerland, to support understanding of the consultation and increase patient’s health literacy (HL).

Methods

The development of the tool was conducted participatively with targeted health professionals (HP) and patients with a chronic disease to 1) identify specific patient groups and situations, 2) confirm eligibility and receive concrete input regarding structure and content, and 3) to ensure the technical practicality and usability by the target groups. Concretely, several expert and patient interviews, a focus group and consultation observations were performed. Further workshops and usability tests are planned.

Results

We first defined 8 criteria to identify situations suitable for the development of the letter (e.g. high information need) and interviewed 5 experts on selected topics. Based on this, chronic back pain was chosen for a deeper feasibility analysis: A focus group interview (n = 4 HP) and 5 telephone interviews with patients confirmed the eligibility and provided information on the structure and content of the letter. Observations of 5 consultations provided further insights. Then, a first concept for the letter’s content was developed and is currently being finalized. It consists of: 1) summary; 2) background; 3) diagnosis; 4) treatment; and 5) next steps and includes infoboxes and a glossary.

Conclusions

The tool for patient letters can be adapted to other diseases (e.g. chronic back pain) and settings (outpatient care). In a next phase, the letter will be piloted in an outpatient clinic and evaluated with HP and patients. The effect on HL will also be assessed.

Key messages

• Comprehensible, individualized, and digitalized patient letters can help patients to deal with health information and take better decisions for their health and well-being.

• The developed patient letter and the corresponding tool should be easily adaptable for other diseases and settings.
Assessing cyberchondria and eHealth literacy differences in urban and rural China
Authors: Lin Y , Xu R
Published: October 2024

Background and Objectives

This study aimed to explore the association between cyberchondria and eHealth literacy in the general Chinese population, and to assess how this relationship changes between urban and rural residents.

Methods

Data obtained from a web-based, cross-sectional survey that evaluate cyberchondria and its impact on health in February 2024. The Cyberchondria Severity Scale - 12 item was used to measure the cyberchondria, while the eHealth Literacy Scale was used to evaluate eHealth literacy. Descriptive analysis was used to describe the background characteristics of the participants. Then, a multivariable linear regression model was then performed for urban and rural subsample to examine the relationship between cyberchondria and eHealth literacy, respectively, providing a comparative analysis between the urban and rural populations.

Results

A total of 634 individuals completed the questionnaire. The average age was 33.2 years (SD = 7.4), with approximately 50.3% (n = 319) being female. Urban residents made up 71.4% (n = 451) of the participants. The mean eHEALS scores for urban and rural residents were 31.9 (SD = 4.3) and 30.4 (SD = 4.2), respectively. The CSS-12 scores for urban residents were 40.3 (SD = 7.58) and for rural residents were 39.1 (SD = 7.2). Linear regression analyses showed a significant association between eHealth literacy and cyberchondria for urban residents (Beta = 0.30, p < 0.001), but age and education level had no significant impact. For rural residents, a statistically significant association between eHealth literacy and cyberchondria was also observed (Beta = 0.40, p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Overall, eHealth literacy consistently predicts cyberchondria severity in both urban and rural samples. Higher eHealth literacy is linked to greater cyberchondria, especially in rural areas. Future research should explore other potential mediators, including psychological factors, internet usage patterns, and access to healthcare services.

Key messages

• eHealth literacy strongly predicts cyberchondria severity in both urban and rural populations, with a notably stronger impact observed in rural settings.

• Urban and rural differences highlight the need for customized digital health literacy programs to effectively address region-specific challenges and behaviors.
The Effect of Parents Health Literacy Level on Attitudes Towards Childhood Vaccinations
Authors: Şimşek S , Ören Çelik M M
Published: October 2024

While the importance of vaccination services increases day by day, WHO declared vaccine hesitancy as one of the 10 threats to global health in 2019 due to the decrease in vaccination numbers in recent years. Raising parents awareness about childhood vaccines with adequate and accurate information is likely to positively affect vaccination decisions.Although the level of knowledge on this subject depends on parents being able to obtain information using the right sources, this situation can also be associated with a sufficient level of health literacy.This study aimed to evaluate how parents health literacy level affects their attitudes towards vaccines. This cross-sectional study was conducted through a facetoface survey with 400 parents of children under the age of 18 who applied to the Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, ChildHealthDiseasesPolyclinic. Asdata collection tools, a survey form including general approaches to preventive health services and knowledge level about vaccines, as well as the TSOY-32 and PACV were used. As a result of our study, the average of the correct answers given by the participants to the questions regarding their vaccination knowledge levels was determined as 12.1±4.3. The average health literacy general index score was found to be 33.6±4.5. It was determined that 2.5% of the parents had insufficient health literacy levels, and 67.8% had problematic or limited health literacy levels. Parents received a total score of 30.2±23.7 (13 (1-83)) from the PACV scale. It was determined that 13.5% of parents were hesitant about childhood vaccines. It was determined that individuals with vaccine hesitancy had lower general health literacy and vaccine knowledge levels, and they used the media and neighbors as sources of information at a higher rate. Additionally, it was determined that low level of knowledge about the vaccine(OR 1.4 95%CI 1.3-1.6). and using the media(OR 2.3 95%CI 1.0- 4.9) as a source of information poses a risk for vaccine hesitancy.

Key messages

• Providing community-based training to increase the health literacy level of parents will also create positive changes in vaccine hesitancy.

• Community-based studies should be carried out regarding misconceptions about vaccines, especially those acquired from the media, and individuals should be made aware.
Assessment of the level of health literacy in students with specific learning disorders
Authors: Graziani C L , Brunelli D , Lorini D , Bonaccorsi D , Palese D , Fedeli D , Arnoldo D
Published: October 2024

Background

Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs) include dyslexia, dysorthography, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia and are referred to as specific educational learning disabilities. For students with SLDs, the issue of health literacy (HL) arises because understanding, evaluating and utilising health information are critical to making informed decisions about one’s health. This study aims to determine the level of HL in students with a certified SLD.

Methods

From November 2023 to April 2024, students with an SLD studying at the University of Udine (Italy) who agreed to participate, were surveyed using an online questionnaire on the EUSurvey platform. This consisted of the HLS-EU-Q47 to measure HL, followed by a socio-demographic section. The HLS-EU-Q47 classified HL into 4 levels: inadequate, problematic, sufficient and excellent; descriptive analysis was performed and the correlation with the sociodemographic data was examined using χ² test.

Results

38 students participated (mean age 24 years, 60.5% female), 60% of whom are in an undergraduate degree program. 42% of the sample had a single SLD (26% dyslexia, 13% dysgraphia), while 58% of them have multiple SLDs. Overall, 42% of students were found to have a problematic HL level, 24% inadequate, only 24% sufficient and 11% excellent. No statistically significant association was found between) HL level and gender, number of SLDs, school attended at the time of SLD certification, and use of supports (all p-values>0.05).

Conclusions

The level of HL in students with SLDs appears to be consistent with data from the Italian population (58% inadequate or problematic) from the 2019-HLS19 Health Literacy Survey. This suggests that the presence of an SLD does not affect the level of HL and that it is likely that the university degree is able compensate for HL difficulties that could be related to the presence of an SLD. A larger sample is needed to see if it is confirmed that there is no association between the investigated variables.

Key messages

• Despite the presence of SLDs, the HL of academic students follows the same trend compared to the general Italian population.

• The structural use of supportive measures by these students probably bridges the gap in access to and correct use of health information.
The Impact of Health Literacy on Diabetes Control
Authors: do Ó D N , Goes A R , Raposo J F , Osborn R , Loureiro I
Published: October 2024

Introdution

People with diabetes have a significant impact on treatment outcomes through their daily decisions. Therefore, health literacy (HL) is crucial for effectively managing the disease and maintaining overall health. This study aimed to explore the relationships between different dimensions of health literacy, self-care behaviors, and Diabetes Control (HbA1c).

Methods

HLwas assessed using the Health Literacy Questionnaire. 706 individuals with diabetes participated in the study, the majority of whom were male (60.2%), had more than 9 years of schooling (84.7%), and over half were employed (52.4%). To examine the relationship between dimensions of HLand HbA1c, multiple linear regression analysis was conducted.

Results

The study revealed a significant association between higher levels of HLand lower HbA1c levels. There is a statistically significant positive linear correlation between adherence to general nutrition and HLdimensions. In terms of physical activity, a positive correlation was also found with HLdimensions, and blood glucose monitoring showed a positive correlation with health literacy. Greater adherence to nutrition was linked to a decrease in HbA1c levels, while higher adherence to self-monitoring and medication was associated with an increase in HbA1c levels

Conclusions

This study emphasizes the importance of HLin managing diabetes. It underscores the impact of HLin diabetes compensation. The results reveal that higher levels of feeling understood and supported by healthcare professionals, having sufficient information to manage health, actively managing health, and appraising health information among people with diabetes lead to better adherence to blood glucose self-monitoring. Based on these findings, a crucial aspect of effectively managing diabetes will involve empowering individuals with the necessary skills for self-management of their condition, overall health, and treatment regimen.

Key messages

• The present research reinforces the importance of health literacy for diabetes compensation and self care activies.

• One critical success factor in dealing with diabetes will be investing of health literacy of people with diabetes and health care providers responsiveness.
The relationship between health literacy level and quality of life in bariatric surgery patients
Authors: Altıner S , Çağrı Büyükkasap A , Tonbuloğlu Altıner Ö , Özbaş C
Published: October 2024

Background

Today, obesity is an important public health problem. In addition to the intervention programmes developed to prevent obesity, the necessity of medical and surgical treatment is increasing with the growing population. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between health literacy and quality of life in patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted with the participation of 136 patients aged 18 years and older who underwent bariatric surgery in a general surgery service between January 2021 and December 2023 and whose contact information was available. The survey participation rate was 75.1%. The questionnaire used for data collection consisted of questions about the sociodemographic information of the participants, The European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q16) and the Postbariatric Surgery Quality of Life Scale items. Descriptive statistics, Mann Whitney U, Kruskal Wallis H test and Spearman correlation analysis were used to analyze the data. A value of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The mean age of the patients who participated in the study was 38.2 ± 10.8 years; mean BMI was 42.3 ± 6.4 before surgery and 29.0 ± 6.2 after surgery. In the study, 44.1% of the patients who underwent bariatric surgery were found to have inadequate/problematic health literacy level. Participants who had less than a bachelor’s degree (p = 0.009) and low income (p < 0.001) had significantly lower health literacy levels. In addition, a moderate positive correlation was found between overall health literacy score and quality of life score (r = 0.252; p = 0.003).

Conclusions

In conclusion, this study shows that improved health literacy positively affects quality of life in patients undergoing bariatric surgery and that health literacy education should be emphasized in this context.

Key messages

• The level of health literacy of bariatric surgery patients is a determining factor on quality of life, and therefore health literacy education is important, especially in identified risk groups.

• Increased health literacy can have positive results in terms of psychosocial and physical health and improve quality of life after bariatric surgery.
The use of digital technologies to promote sexual health in young adults: a narrative review
Authors: Cunha-Oliveira A , Santos D , Marinho B , Ribeiro C , Rodrigues F , Gómez Cantarino S , Reis R K
Published: October 2024

Background

New technologies have the potential to play an important role in promoting sexual health, especially among young people, who are the biggest users and those at greatest risk of contracting Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI). The risk behavior assumed by young people today highlights this vulnerability in several contexts, such as individual, social, economic, and family. In this sense, it becomes relevant to approach sex education in schools using digital technologies.

Objectives

To identify the evidence in the literature on the use of digital technologies to promote the sexual health of young adults.

Methods

Narrative literature review. Three independent reviewers extracted, analyzed and synthesized the articles and results.

Results

Through the selection process, four studies were included. The articles show that the use of digital technologies (mobile phones/applications) leads to increased knowledge, improved attitudes and sexual behavior among young adults. The interventions studied in the studies were based on Short Message Service, electronic mail interventions and the MyPEEPS mobile application, with the following main focuses: Increased knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of young adults. Considering the results of the studies, all interventions proved to be effective as facilitators of sexual health promotion.

Conclusions

The use of digital technologies allowed an increase in the promotion of the sexual health of the participants, since there was an increase in the level of knowledge with the use of digital technologies such as SMS, emails and mobile applications when comparing the experimental and control groups. The use of these digital technologies also allowed for a change in attitudes and behaviors, such as a significant increase in serological testing for STIs and an increase in health care seeking.

Key messages

• The use of digital technology promotes the sexual health of young adults, so these strategies should be implemented by health professionals.

• The dissemination of these digital strategies will have an impact on Public Health, specifically regarding the sexual health of young adults.
Lived experiences: What made or would have made a difference to me when growing up?
Authors: Allik M
Published: October 2024

We sometimes forget the people behind the numbers and those affected by our research. The video on lived experiences aims to put a human face on childhood social care ahead of the panel and audience discussion. Rather than asking care experienced people specifically about their health, which people may find intrusive or even irrelevant for their experience, we will seek to understand what did or would have made a difference to their lives. Dr. Allik, who has led and facilitated a number of knowledge exchange and engagement activities related to childhood social care, will take the responsibility of organising the collection different video recordings on lived experienced of childhood social care. We will work in collaboration with already existing organisations that advocate for (care experienced) children’s rights to produce the video. Dr. Allik will also be supported by the knowledge exchange team at the UofG, including choosing the appropriate methods of seeking recordings, compiling, and curating the video.
Does mindfulness program reduce stress and enhance self-kindness in schools? Healthy Learning Mind
Authors: Volanen S-M , Holopainen M , Lahti J , Vahlberg T , Hintsanen M
Published: October 2024

Introduction

There is a scarcity of research with high quality methods on the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on adolescents’ mental well-being. This study investigates the MBI effects on adolescents’ stress and self-kindness with an extensive cluster RCT design, and a role of self-kindness as a mediator for the association between the MBI and stress. Additionally, the study explores how age, gender, and an independent mindfulness practice moderate the effects on the outcomes.

Methods

Participants (Finnish students, aged 12-15 years) were randomized to a MBI group (N = 1646), an active relaxation control group (N = 1488), and an inactive control group (N = 385). The outcomes were measured at the baseline (T0), at 9-week post-intervention (T9), and at 26-weeks follow-up (T26).

Results

Overall, the MBI was more effective in stress reduction when compared to the active control at T9 (β = -0.04, p < 0.01, d = -0.11) and T26 (β = -0.04, p = 0.02, d = -0.11). Furthermore, students in the MBI group who carried out their regular mindfulness home practice showed greater decrease of stress. There were no MBI effects on self-kindness, nor did a change of self-kindness mediate the effects of MBI on stress.

Discussion

These findings demonstrate that the 9-week MBI is slightly more effective to reduce stress relative to relaxation training.

Key messages

• The result highlight the potential of MBI in increasing the stress management among students in school context.

• To ensure the effectiveness of MBIs in school context we need to teach these skills to teacher students already during their basic education in educational institutions and universities.
Parent perspectives on sports betting and its effects on children
Authors: Donaldson A , Cardak B , Seal E , Randle E , Staley K , Nicholson M , O’Halloran P
Published: October 2024

Background

Gambling-related harm is a global challenge. Sports betting is a rapidly growing form of gambling, facilitated by access to online wagering platforms and increased advertising. Most public health initiatives target ‘problem’ gamblers, ignoring socio-cultural influences. Within this context, we examine what parents think about sports betting, the potential impacts on their children, and whether they participate in sports betting around their children.

Methods

Using a survey of 3,481 Australian adult sports fans with dependent children, we analyse parental attitudes to sports betting and their concerns about possible effects on children. ANOVA and regression methods are used to test for differences in attitudes to sports betting between parents who are gamblers (sports and non-sports) and non-gamblers.

Results

Compared to non-gambling parents, sports-betting parents are much more permissive (by up to 0.9 standard deviations) of sports betting around and by children, and less concerned (by up to 0.6 standard deviations) about any harmful effects of sports betting on children. Sports betting parents place less importance on discussing the risks of sports betting with their children, and the more often a parent bets on sports, the less confident they are about having these discussions. Parents who bet on sports are 5.8 percentage points less likely than non-gambling parents to have had such conversations.

Conclusions

The strong influence of parent modelling and normalisation, combined with policy initiatives that recommend parents discuss potential sports betting risks with their children, implies that having a better understanding of attitudes will facilitate improved educational and harm minimisation policy initiatives. The findings of our study are important for public health policy and should inform interventions aimed at gambling harm reduction. Targeting sports betting parents with better tailored educational campaigns is warranted.

Key messages

• Children of parents who bet on sports are less likely to receive messages about the risks of sports betting, in addition to being exposed to role modelling that reinforces sports betting.

• Compared to non-gambling parents, those who bet on sports have more permissive attitudes towards sports betting, suggesting targeted messaging and interventions are warranted.
A repositioning nudge to encourage healthier snack purchases at a supermarket in a deprived area
Authors: van den Bekerom L , van Gestel L , Bussemaker J , Adriaanse M
Published: October 2024

Background

Diet quality positively correlates with socio-economic position (SEP). While nudges are often proposed as promising policy tools for promoting health behavior among lower SEP groups, research addressing their impact within lower SEP groups is limited. This study aimed to 1) examine the efficacy of a checkout repositioning nudge in a supermarket in a deprived area in encouraging purchases of healthier snacks, and 2) describe customers’ preferences and needs regarding grocery shopping and healthy eating.

Methods

Daily sales data were collected over four-week control and intervention periods. During the intervention, unhealthy snacks at the checkout were replaced by healthier snacks. Additionally, questionnaires were administered among customers (N = 90).

Results

The intervention led to a significant increase in daily sales of healthier snacks (M = 3.14, SD = 2.45) compared to the control period (M = 0.54, SD = 0.96), t(27) = 5.62, p < .001. Despite a statistically significant nudge-effect, the absolute daily sales of healthier snacks remains extremely low. No difference in daily sales of unhealthy snacks was observed between both periods. Questionnaire data showed that customers report to seldomly purchase snacks at the checkout, find it important to eat healthily, think well about what they buy in a supermarket, and long for a healthier and more affordable food offer within the supermarket.

Conclusions

Interventions that are effective among higher SEP groups, such as repositioning nudges, may not be suitable for the circumstances and needs of lower SEP groups. To combat existing health inequalities, interventions must be tailored to lower SEP groups. More system-level interventions that target the healthiness and affordability of the offer may be needed.

Key messages

• Although nudging is often proposed as a promising policy approach for improving health behavior among lower SEP groups, repositioning nudges may not suit their circumstances and needs.

• To combat health inequalities, interventions must be tailored to lower SEP groups and integrated with system-level policies (e.g., targeting the healthiness and price of the offer in supermarkets).
A systematic review on the effect of identity-related interventions on physical activity and smoking
Authors: van Vliet MHM , Penfornis K M , Gebhardt W A , von Haeseler E F , Chavannes N H , Versluis A , Meijer E
Published: October 2024

Background

Identity (self-perceptions of ‘who I am’) is important for health behavior change. Hence, identity-related interventions, aiming to influence how people view themselves, show promise for health promotion. This systematic review describes the effect of identity-related interventions on physical activity (PA), a health-promoting behavior, and smoking, a health-compromising behavior, and PA- and smoking-related identities in adults.

Methods

A comprehensive search, updated in May 2023, identified 5801 publications across eleven databases. After screening, 19 quantitative and mixed-methods publications were selected, describing 20 different studies. Relevant data were systematically extracted and a quality assessment was conducted using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.

Results

Identity-related interventions were more common for enhancing PA (n = 13) than for smoking cessation (n = 6). Only one study targeted PA- and smoking-related identities to change both behaviors simultaneously. Various identity-related interventions were used, e.g. possible (future) selves manipulations and avatar games. The target population was rarely involved in intervention development. The results are mixed; some studies showed (significant) positive effects of identity-related interventions on identities or behavior, and no significant negative effects were shown. Similar results were found for PA and smoking. The one study targeting both behaviors showed positive results.

Conclusions

Identity-related interventions hold promise in promoting PA and smoking cessation. Future research could investigate identity-related interventions targeting multiple health behaviors, e.g., PA-promotion and smoking cessation, leveraging the synergy between those identities and behaviors. Collaboratively developing these interventions with the target population (i.e., patient and public involvement) could optimize them for different populations, improving public health and reducing health disparities.

Key messages

• Identity-related interventions could improve public health.

• Collaboratively developing identity-related interventions with the target population could optimize them for different populations.
Increasing step count of employees through the Semmelweis Workplace Health Promotion Program
Authors: Árva D , Dósa N , Major D , Pártos K , Mózes N , Alliquander A , Terebessy A , Horváth F , Varga P , Fazekas-Pongor V
Published: October 2024

Background

Lifestyle greatly contributes to the development of age-related diseases. The goal of the Semmelweis University’s ‘Semmelweis Workplace Health Promotion Program’ is to develop interventions that facilitate healthy ageing. The aim of its first intervention was to increase the step count of participants by incorporating motivational elements offered through the university’s Center of Preventive Services. 

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was conducted in spring 2024 with three study groups: those undergoing motivational interviews (MI, n = 49), those receiving motivational emails (ME, n = 51), and a control group (n = 53). Intervention groups (MI+ME) received weekly emails for 8 weeks emphasizing the benefits of increased step count and providing feedback on achievements. The MI group also took part in 4 biweekly consultations. Mean step counts of last week and energy expended while walking (MET) calculated from the International Physical Activity Questionnaire were recorded five and three times, respectively. Mixed model regressions were conducted for two pre-planned comparisons: MI+ME vs. controls, and MI vs. ME. 

Results

Intervention groups exhibited a significant increase in average step count (1001 steps; 95% Confidence Interval [95% CI]: 349-1651) as a result of the program, while the control group experienced a non-significant decrease. This was accompanied by a significant increase in energy expenditure for walking (45 MET; 95% CI: 4-87) in intervention groups and a non-significant decrease for the control group. The study found no significant differences in step count and energy expenditure between the two intervention groups (MI vs. ME).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that workplace health promotion programs may effectively increase physical activity, and thus may be key in tackling the challenges posed by aging demographics. Preliminary findings did not indicate a superiority between email-based and motivational interview-based motivation.

Key messages

• Workplace health promotion is an essential tool in promoting healthy aging among the working-age population.

• Step-count programs based on motivational interviewing serve as an effective and simple tool in increasing physical activity.
What challenges exist within the child welfare system in meeting the health needs of children in care?
Authors: Forsman H
Published: October 2024

From society’s perspective, the goal of societal care is to protect disadvantaged children and provide them with improved opportunities. In the realm of social care, the child welfare system takes the place of parental responsibilities to safeguard children’s well-being and developmental needs, including their health. However, while holding child welfare agencies responsible, national legislation often lacks specific methods for fulfilling this mandate. Over the years, evidence has shown that limited health care access and unmet health needs often endure in care. In Sweden, efforts to address the issue include mandatory health assessments upon entry into care and collaborative agreements between social services and health care sectors. However, recent studies reveal that only one-third of children undergo these assessment, and collaborative agreements remain lacking in many local authorities. This suggests that additional legal requirements do not offer a straightforward solution. Dr Forsman, with a background in social work, will discuss the child welfare system’s responsibilities and the traditional reliance on social workers and foster carers to address health needs and coordinate care. What are the underlying barriers to successful advocacy and comprehensive health care coordination within the child welfare system? How can the system better respond to the health needs of children in care?
How can health practitioners support children and young people in social care?
Authors: Saxena S
Published: October 2024

Health practitioners are responsible for safeguarding, delivering preventive and responsive care for children and young people in social care settings. However, drivers and determinants that place children in care settings lie outside of the doctor’s office. In fact, primary care health practitioners often deal with children and young people who face or are at risk of severe neglect, abuse or vulnerability outside the care system. Recent findings from the UK’s Millennium cohort study have repeatedly demonstrated that social disadvantage in the early years accounts for more than 2/3 of health inequalities in adolescence. Professor Saxena is a practising GP with 25 years of experience of inner-city primary care and global expert on primary care of children. She will present dilemmas posed in clinical settings for health practitioners and professionals working in a broad range of areas including public health, education settings and social care. What responsibility do health professionals have when they encounter children living in social care settings? What should they be especially alert to? How can they make a difference to reduce health inequality faced by young people growing up in the care system.
Associations between study conditions and students’ mental health: Results from the StudiBiFra study
Authors: Lehnchen J , Heinrichs K , Helmer S , Burian J , Deptolla Z , Heumann E , Stock C
Published: October 2024

Background

Study conditions are relevant for university students’ mental health and well-being. Previous research identified single factors associated with mental health, but it remains unclear, which study conditions at higher education institutions should be priority targets for institutional action. The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of students’ satisfaction with their study conditions and to analyse their associations with students’ mental health.

Methods

The cross-sectional StudiBiFra study encompasses data from 24,533 students across 13 higher education institutions in Germany. Data was collected between June 2021 and March 2023 using the Bielefeld Questionnaire on Study Conditions and (Mental) Health. Students rated study conditions in 22 domains and four scales of mental health outcomes. Mean scores for all scales were calculated and linear regressions were used to analyse bivariate associations.

Results

All domains of study conditions were associated with all domains of students’ men-tal health with regression coefficients ranging from r = 0.21 to r = 0.78. The more satisfied students were with their study conditions, the higher the reported well-being, and the lower the depressive symptoms, cognitive stress symptoms, and exhaustion. The highest associations were found for the domains of study conditions “examinations and academic achievements”, “time requirements”, and “fit of course content/competency development” with highest re-gression coefficients for the outcome of exhaustion.

Conclusions

The findings reveal significant moderate to high associations for all assessed study conditions with students’ mental health. Institutional action should focus on these study conditions by emphasising topics such as applying competencies during studies and good co-ordination of content and examinations. Thus, decreasing student burden and time pressure has the potential to promote mental well-being.

Key messages

• Study conditions are significantly associated with students’ mental health.

• Higher education institutions should focus on study conditions to promote students’ mental well-being.
Is being a physically active parent related to having a physically active son/daughter?
Authors: Licata F , Di Gennaro G , Basile E , Angelillo S , Bianco A
Published: October 2024

Background

Engaging in physical activity (PA) during childhood and adolescence can promote lifelong healthy habits and improve overall health. Physically active parents could play a key role in influencing the sons’ and daughters’ PA. The study aimed to evaluate the levels of PA among children and adolescents and to investigate the possible relationship with PA levels of parents.

Methods

This cross-sectional study involved a random sample of parents of a son/daughter aged 5 to 17 years in the Southern part of Italy. Data were collected through an anonymous self-administered questionnaire designed to retrieve i) sociodemographic characteristics and anthropometric data, ii) parent’s knowledge about the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines (GL) about PA, iii) levels of PA of son/daughter and parent.

Results

Preliminary findings refer to a sample of 230 parents, of whom, 52.2% were women with a mean age of 38.6 (SD ± 6.8) years. The vast majority of the sample was employed (79.6%) and married (89.1%). Less than half (48.7%) were knowledgeable about WHO’s GLs for PA both in adults (52.6%) and children/adolescents (74.8%). Almost two-thirds (63%) of parents practised PA according to WHO’s GLs. Among sons/daughters, 44.4% practised PA according to WHO’s GLs. The results of the multivariate analysis showed that sons/daughters of physically active parents had higher odds of practising PA according to WHO’s GLs (OR:6.48, 95%CI:3.29-12.79). Similarly, those with parents knowledgeable about WHO’s GLs for PA (OR:3.19, 95%CI:1.75-5.83) were more likely to practise PA according to WHO’s GLs.

Conclusions

Preliminary results reveal a lack of compliance with WHO’s GL on PA, especially among children and adolescents. This is of concern since it is linked to negative health outcomes in the future. The figure that sons/daughters of active parents had a higher likelihood of being active highlights that public health organizations should prioritise family-based interventions for PA.

Key messages

• Almost one-third of adults and more than half of the children and adolescents in the sample did not comply with WHO’s recommendations for physical activity.

• Sons and daughters of physically active parents are more likely to be active, prompting the need for family-based public health intervention to promote physical activity.
Population-based physical activity promotion with a focus on health equity: evidence challenges
Authors: Kohler S , Dippon D , Weber P , Ruetten A , Pfeifer K , Semrau J
Published: October 2024

Issue

Physical activity (PA) approaches that target the entire population hold great promise for public health particularly in terms of health equity due to their broad reach. During the process of developing national recommendations for PA and PA promotion in Germany, followed by a partial update, it became evident that there is limited evidence regarding population-based PA interventions with a focus on health equity. Our objective was to present an overview of the underlying reasons for this scarcity of evidence.

Methods

The methodology used in the development of the German recommendations to identify evidence for population-based health equity interventions was applied. Five scientific databases were searched for reviews published between 2015-2021. References of the included reviews were checked for additional reviews. Publications without any focus on health equity were not considered. The identified evidence was summarized narratively, followed by a description of existing challenges in evaluating.

Results

Our search yielded 4,411 reviews, of which 79 met the inclusion criteria but 75 were excluded because approaches did not focus on the whole population, or did not address health equity. Two reviews were found in the search for gray literature. Thus, the result is a total of 6 articles. None of these reviews reported the application of a theory. The consideration of quality criteria used before, during and after the practical implementation of interventions is not common. The complexity of population-based approaches proved to be a challenge.

Conclusions

Overall, there is a need for more emphasis on health equity in the implementation and evaluation of population-based PA approaches. The consideration of a theoretical underpinning of such complex approaches in complex systems and the application of standardised quality criteria are an important prerequisite for the generation of evidence.

Key messages

• There is little evidence of population-based PA approaches aimed at health equity.

• A standardized and comprehensive evaluation assessment that is accepted by all public health stakeholders is needed.
Culture on organ and tissue donation in the community of Medical School, Veracruz Region
Authors: Viñas Dozal J , Roesch Dietlen F , Vázquez Hernández K , Ruiz García F , Duarte Cruz V , Villegas-Dominguez J E
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Organ donation is a life-saving activity, yet there is a disparity between the high number of recipients and the minimal number of donors.

Objetives

To determine the level of organ and tissue donation culture for transplant purposes among faculty members and undergraduate medical interns at a Medical School

Methods

A cross-sectional and prospective study was conducted from January 2023 to 2024, including faculty members and undergraduate medical interns from the Medical School at the University of Veracruz - Veracruz Region. The main study variable was the culture of organ and tissue donation for transplant purposes, quantified through three dimensions: knowledge, attitude, and training, assessed using a validated instrument (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.6). The entire described population was included, and they were approached in different areas to invite them to participate in this research.

Results

225 subjects (55 faculty members) agreed to participate. 97% of participants expressed support for organ donation. Among those not in favor of donation, 33% feared receiving poor medical care as donors, and 17% viewed donation as a business. Organ donation culture was deemed sufficient in 10.98% and outstanding in 71.76% of participants. The most common level of knowledge was outstanding (52%), 70% of the studied population showed a ‘very positive’ attitude towards organ and tissue donation. Training history was evaluated as an associated factor with knowledge about organ donation (OR/CI95%), identifying an association between lack of training and levels of sufficient knowledge (2.5/1.2-4.9) and outstanding knowledge (0.3/0.1-0.7), as well as with sufficient culture (9.6/1.2-73.0) and outstanding culture (0.1/0.04-0.4) (p < 0.05)

Conclusions

It is imperative to strengthen training programs for faculty and undergraduate personnel, as quality training enhances knowledge and culture within this essential area of healthcare personnel formation.

Key messages

• University professors should have accurate information on organ donation and sensitize future physicians on the subject, as this could be a crucial step for future interactions in favor of donation.

• It is necessary to eradicate misinformation about organ donation in teachers and students of medical schools, since they are the basis for education and awareness on this issue in the population.
Hindering factors of pneumococcal vaccination: a survey among an Italian university hospital staff
Authors: Congedo G , Pattavina F , Mancini R , Cadeddu C , Bruno S , Pascucci D , Moscato U , Laurenti P
Published: October 2024

Background

The pneumococcal vaccination targets individuals aged over 65 and people with chronic conditions. Data on vaccination coverage among healthcare workers are generally lacking. Our goal is to assess the knowledge and behaviors of a sample of Italian healthcare workers and administrative staff to understand barriers to pneumococcal vaccination like vaccine hesitancy.

Methods

From February to May 2024, an anonymous online validated questionnaire was administered to a sample of Italian healthcare workers and administrative staff at the Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli in Rome. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses are performed using the STATA 16 software.

Results

1042 participants completed the questionnaire. Preliminary descriptive analysis shows that the majority are women (69.4%). 20.5% of respondents are medical doctors, 23.3% administrative staff, 39.6% nurses or obstetricians, 1.6% rehabilitative healthcare professionals, 5.7% technical healthcare professionals and 4.1% preventive healthcare professionals. 27.8% among healthcare workers and 28.11% among administrative staff suffer from chronic illnesses. 27.6% of respondents are unaware of the health effects caused by acquiring pneumococcal infection. Although initial inferential analyses seem to show a generally positive trend regarding vaccine awareness, some categories appear to demonstrate a potential underestimation of the importance of vaccination against the spread of infectious diseases. It even appears that some of the interviewees consider the complications of the disease less serious than the risk of severe adverse effects of vaccines.

Conclusions

Although further analysis is needed, preliminary results seem to highlight some knowledge gap that could lead to a certain degree of vaccine hesitancy among partecipants. In this case, it would be crucial to promote educational activities that increase hospital staff’s vaccine adhesion in order to improve their health and the patients’one.

Key messages

• A pneumococcal vaccine hesitancy rate may exists among an Italian university hospital staff.

• It is crucial to boost healthcare workers’ awareness and knowledge about pneumococcal vaccination benefits.
Sexual health communication targeting adolescents in public service Media: the case of Finland
Authors: Abrams R , Nordmyr J , Gunnarsson K , Forsman A K
Published: October 2024

Background

Given the substantial time adolescents spend online, sexual health promotion and education through online media constitute a promising public health action. However, monitoring of sexual health-related online media content is warranted, and considering the scope and aims of public service media, this forum can be regarded as being of particular interest. This study aimed to analyze how and to what extent sexuality and sexual health-related content targeting adolescents is communicated and portrayed in public service media in Finland, with a particular interest in health promotion perspectives and participatory practices.

Methods

Based on predetermined inclusion criteria and guidance from professionals at the Finnish public service company Yle, podcasts were specified as the media format of interest. Three Finnish podcasts (a total of 66 episodes) produced during the years 2021-2023, targeting young people and focusing on sexual health, were included in this study and subject to critical content analysis.

Results

Most podcast episodes focused equally on the sexual health resource and risk perspectives, while a third emphasized a resource perspective. Concerning participatory practices, adolescents participate in only five episodes in total, and most often, the podcast hosts’ own experiences are at the center of the episodes.

Conclusions

The findings highlight how sexuality and sexual health content is communicated in public service media podcasts targeting adolescents in Finland, as well as how the communication aligns with health education and promotion guidelines. The study sheds light on participatory practices, emphasizing a lack of stakeholder involvement, i.e., dialogue between podcast hosts and listeners. Results carry implications for developing sexual health promotion through public service media targeting young people in Finland and other European countries alike.

Key messages

• The findings highlight how sexuality and sexual health content is portrayed in public service media podcasts in Finland and how the communication aligns with health promotion values and principles.

• The findings show a lack of participatory practices in Finnish public service media podcasts targeting adolescent sexual health - a health promotion concern also pertinent to other countries.