bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advanced nursing practise as a preventive approach for adults with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Grunwald M , Nadolny S , Groendahl A , Grebe C , Ilskens K , Schulenkorf T , Borchardt N , Palmdorf S , Maaß A , Latteck Ä-D
Published: October 2024

Background

Various barriers impede access to preventive health services for people with intellectual disabilities in Germany. As a result, they are more likely to suffer from certain chronic diseases. Internationally, Advanced Nursing Practice (ANP) has proven to be a suitable approach to care for this group. In Germany, ANP is not yet widespread. The aim of this study is to improve healthcare for people with intellectual disabilities through ANP-led case management.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was conducted in an urban community setting. Inclusion criteria were: ICD-10 diagnosis F70-F79, age ≥18 and care level ≤3. The intervention group (IG) received four outreach home visits focused on prevention and health promotion. The control group (CG) received usual care. Allocation was done using computer-assisted, permuted block randomization. Researchers were blinded during data collection and analysis. The primary outcome was health status after 12 months (t2) (WHODAS). Secondary outcomes were health status after 6 months (t1), health-related quality of life (HQOL) after 6 and 12 months (EQ5D-VAS), and resilience after 6 and 12 months (RS-11). Analysis was performed via ANCOVA with Bonferroni correction at a significance level of 0.025.

Results

214 participants were randomized. At t2, 176 participants remained (IG: n = 85, CG: n = 91). Health status at t2 showed a mean difference (MD) of -4.58 points in favor of the IG (p = 0.01). For resilience, a MD of + 1.95 (t2) points in favor of the IG was obtained (p = 0.05). We measured a MD for HQOL of -1.19 (p = 0.72) in favor of the CG.

Conclusions

A clinically relevant effect of ANP-led case management was achieved on the health status, but not on resilience and HQOL. ANP for people with intellectual disabilities can contribute to health promotion and thereby improve the community health. Therefore, ANP can be used as an innovative approach in the course of reorganization of healthcare for vulnerable populations in Germany.

Key messages

• ANP-led case management can have a clinically relevant effect on the heal status of people with intellectual disabilities over the course of one year.

• ANP-led case management can be seen as a new approach to health promotion and disease prevention in Germany.
Assaults against pandemic heroes: an observational study in the Metropolitan City of Genoa in Italy
Authors: Spatari G , De Mite AML , Cantova E , Reggiani S , Re M , Mercogliano M , De Martini M , Gallo A , Caltabellotta M , Rebagliati B
Published: October 2024

Background

Escalating violence against healthcare workers is a significant public health issue that undermines care quality and workers’ health. This descriptive study aims to examine trends in aggression across different pandemic phases.

Methods

The study analysed reported violence among healthcare workers from 2018 to 2023 within a Local Health Authority in Genoa, Italy. Variables of interest included the severity of aggression, the professionals affected, and the locations of incidents. Data was analysed using appropriate statistical methods, including multinomial logistic regression, to assess relationships across pandemic phases.

Results

Reported aggressions rose from 48 incidents in 2018 to 103 in 2023, totaling 463. Pre-pandemic physical violence was at 39%, dropping to 27% during and after the pandemic (χ²=7.4, df = 2, p < 0.025). Nurses experienced the highest violence rates, with an average of 72% pre-pandemic and 74% post-pandemic, reducing to 51% during the pandemic if compared with doctors (Coef -0.80; 95%CI -1.45|-0.15). Over half of incidents occurred in Emergency and Psychiatric Services, from 77% before to 51% after pandemic. Conversely, violence in Local Services rose from 7% before to 24% during and 28% after pandemic (χ²=56.9, df = 6, p < 0.000). If compared to Hospitals, violence in Local Services increased during (Coef 1.44; 95%CI 0.40|2.48) and post-pandemic (Coef 1.001; 95%CI 0.13|1.87), and in Psychiatric Services decreased post-pandemic (Coef -0.98; 95%CI -1.67|-0.29).

Conclusions

Violence against healthcare workers shifted during and post-pandemic, mirroring the decentralisation of healthcare due to pandemic. The urgent development and implementation of effective violence prevention strategies are imperative. These should include training, psychological support, security enhancements, and a strong organisational culture that prioritises safety and respect. Protecting healthcare workers is crucial for their well-being and to ensure high healthcare quality.

Key messages

• Escalating violence undermines care quality and healthcare worker well-being. Effective prevention strategies are essential, including training, support, and an organisation that prioritises safety.

• Nurses are the main victims of violence. Violence is higher in Emergency Departments, but incidents are increasing in Local Health Services, due to organisational changes during and post-pandemic.
Increased feelings of nervousness among older Europeans post-pandemic
Authors: Queen C , Sabzevari R , Pasupathy R
Published: October 2024

Background

Feelings of nervousness are typically associated with situational factors and are temporary, less intense, and manageable with self-care. Study

Aim

This study examines which situational conditions are significant for feeling nervous among European older adults during the second wave of COVID-19.

Methods

Using data from Wave 9, COVID-19 Survey 2 (Summer, 2021) of the cross-national panel dataset the Survey of Health, Aging, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), this study utilizes a sample of 49,253 adults over 50 years old from 27 countries in Europe. Analysis: Binary logistic regression indicates all variables are significant predictors of feeling nervous: Gender [Wald= 498.7, p = 0.001 (<0.05)]; chronic disease [Wald= 1635.002 p = 0.001 (<0.05)], employment [Wald= 164.544, p = 0.001 (<0.05)]; home care [Wald= 138.4, p = 0.001 (<0.05)], technology [Wald= 20.66, p = 0.001 (<0.05)]; social support [Wald= 106.66, p = 0.001 (<0.05)], and financial support [Wald=35.5, p = 0.001 (<0.05)] [Chi-Square=3216.401, df = 6 and p = 0.001 (p < 0.05)].

Findings

The odds ratio (OR) for gender is .627 (95% CI .601- .653), for chronic disease, is 2.659 (95% CI: 1.716 - 4.119) and employment is .675 (95% CI: .635-.717) and homecare is (OR)3.47(95% CI: 2.83-4.28); OR for social support is 855(95% CI:.830-.881), financial support 1.779 (95% CI: 1.47-2.15), and technology (OR).956 (95% CI: 938-.975). The model correctly predicted 94% of cases without feeling nervous and 16% of cases where people did feel nervous, giving an overall percentage correct prediction rate of 68%. Implications for Policy and Practice: Knowledge from this study can inform the introduction of public health interventions for older adults targeted toward specific situational circumstances that reduce nervousness.

Key messages

• While feelings of nervousness can be situational, the impact on mental health can go beyond the contextual environment.

• Public health policies can support targeted interventions aimed at developing the coping skills necessary to better respond in times of crisis.
Generating qualitative evidence of the validity of the Health Literacy Questionnaire Parent
Authors: Belfrage S , Faulkner J , Husted M , Fraser S , Patel S
Published: October 2024

Background

Health literacy refers to the skills needed to access, understand, and navigate health information and services. The Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) is a widely used validated measure of health literacy capturing nine distinct domains. The HLQ-Parent is a recent adaption of the HLQ which has been designed to capture the nuanced health literacy skills required by primary care givers of children. Generating qualitative evidence of validity of such tools is an important element of the validation process as it captures understanding and interpretation of items which is not achievable by quantitative methods alone. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to generate qualitative evidence of the validity of the HLQ-Parent.

Methods

A qualitative study implementing the HLQ-Parent during face-to-face cognitive interviews with concurrent probing was conducted. Primary carers of children aged 16 or under living in England were recruited via voluntary organisations supporting families. Qualitative data analysis was conducted on the audio recordings in the form of text summaries. Parents’ chosen HLQ-Parent responses were compared to their narrative responses and coded by the researcher as match, no match or unclear. Parents’ narrative responses were also compared to the HLQ-Parent item intent descriptions and coded as concordant, discordant, or unclear.

Results

Overall, participants (n = 9, mean age 40 years, 88.9% female) narrative responses matched to their chosen HLQ-Parent response, while their narrative responses were concordant with the HLQ-Parent item intent descriptions. Two participants narratives did not match their responses for the item:’ I have enough information to help me deal with my child’s health’.

Conclusions

The qualitative data provided evidence that participants understood and answered the HLQ-Parent items as intended. Study results contribute validity evidence for the use of HLQ-Parent to measure parental health literacy.

Key messages

• This study contributes evidence to the validity of the HLQ-Parent.

• Qualitative methods provide valuable insights that enhance the overall understanding of health literacy measurement tools.
Predictors of infectious disease-related behaviors among adolescents in Armenia
Authors: Hayrumyan V , Sargsyan Z , Agopian A , Musheghyan L , Harutyunyan T
Published: October 2024

Background

We explored the behaviors related to infectious diseases (ID) and its predictors among 15-17 years old adolescents in Armenia.

Methods

We surveyed adolescents from public and private high schools in Yerevan and one province in 2023. The instrument explored ID-related behaviors, health literacy (HL), interest in health, and socio-demographics. ID-related behaviors were measured with five Yes/No questions about sharing a toothbrush, covering their mouth when coughing or sneezing, and washing hands with soap and water - before eating, after using the bathroom, and when coming home. HL was assessed with ten questions on a scale from ‘Strongly disagree’ to ‘Strongly agree’. Summative scores were calculated for ID-related behaviors and HL. Multivariable regression analysis explored factors associated with ID-related behaviors.

Results

Overall, 366 students completed the survey, most of them being females (64.4%). The majority were interested in health issues (80.7%). Almost all respondents reported not sharing a toothbrush with other persons (97.9%) and usually covering their mouth when coughing or sneezing in public places (94.1%). Somewhat lower percentages reported washing hands with soap and water before eating (82.0%), after using the bathroom (89.2%), and when coming home (86.6%). The mean behavior score was 4.52 out of 5 (SD = 0.92) and the percent score was 90.4%. The average HL score was 17.41 out of 30 (SD = 4.47). In the regression analysis, being female vs. male, being interested in health vs. not, studying in private vs. public schools, and having higher HL were independent significant predictors for higher score of ID-related behaviors.

Conclusions

Armenian adolescents reported high levels of compliance with ID-related behaviors. Improving health literacy and fostering interest in health can help further enhance the performance of preventive behaviors. Interventions targeting public schools and male adolescents are particularly pertinent.

Key messages

• Being female, studying in private schools, having higher interest in health issues, and better health literacy independently positively influence infectious disease-related behaviors.

• Promoting health literacy and fostering interest in health in high schools have the potential to further enhance infectious disease prevention behaviors among adolescents.
Cross-sectional survey of health literacy among high school students in Armenia
Authors: Sargsyan Z , Hayrumyan V , Agopian A , Musheghyan L , Harutyunyan T
Published: October 2024

Background

We assessed the level of health literacy (HL) and explored its predictors among 15-17 years old adolescents in Armenia.

Methods

We conducted a survey among adolescents in public and private schools in the capital Yerevan and an adjacent province in 2023. The instrument included items on HL, general interest in health and socio-demographics. Ten questions measuring HL with four answer options were summed into the HL score (0-30). Multivariable regression model explored the independent associations of socio-demographic factors and interest in health issues with the HL.

Results

Overall, 366 students completed the survey. About 64% were females. The majority were interested in health issues (80.7%). Most participants felt they, in general, received sufficient health information (75.1%), could follow physician’s instructions (80.1%), were confident in advising family or friends on health improvements (70.5%), could easily give examples of health-promoting actions (76.8%), and explain their choices for health (77.6%). Additionally, 82.2% could judge the environmental impact of their actions, 82.0% could find understandable health information when needed, and 85.3% could assess how their behavior affects their health. Fewer respondents were confident in figuring out if the health information is correct (68.2%) or identifying correct health information when faced with conflicting data (67.1%). The average HL score was 17.41 (SD = 4.47), with a 58.0% percent score. In the regression analysis, being from private school vs. public and being interested in health vs. not were significant predictors of higher HL.

Conclusions

Despite having moderate HL level, a significant portion of Armenian adolescents lacked confidence in discerning correct health information. Interventions should prioritize enhancing HL, emphasizing critical evaluation skills and providing accessible and reliable health information resources tailored to adolescents, particularly in public schools.

Key messages

• The health literacy among Armenian adolescents was moderate with many lacking confidence in identifying correct health information and differentiating when faced with conflicting data.

• Attending a private school and having an interest in health were significant predictors for higher health literacy, emphasizing the need for targeted health and policy interventions.
Culture for Health – Example from Serbia
Authors: Jevtic M , Miljkovic A , Vujkov G , Palkovljevic Bugarski T
Published: October 2024

Using the possibility of social prescribing at the community level integrates several sectors, primarily the health sector and the culture sector. The goal of this project was to strengthen intersectoral cooperation (culture and health) and consider the possibility of providing conditions in the local community for continuous prescribing of the culture ‘on prescription’. Institute for Public Health of Vojvodina invited Matica Srpska Gallery to participate together with the Novi Sad Healthcare Center in a unique project that connects culture and health. The ‘Culture on prescription - culture for health’ consisted of two phases: curatorial guidance and group workshops. Curatorial guidance means the selection of individual works of art whose narration is planned and methodologically adapted to different groups of participants and which evokes different feelings related to quality of life and health. The second part of the program consisted of workshops in the Museum, enriched with works of art and a pleasant atmosphere.The workshops are based on group analytical methods and participants had the opportunity to reflect their observations, experiences and feelings on individual works of art, and they often reflected with personal life experiences that were not only aesthetic, but also pleasant and therapeutic. Participants came in two sessions, with two different curatorial guides, carefully thematically prepared, and which were later the source for substantive reflection. The positive outcomes of these innovative workshops was confirmed through written and oral facts, through which the participants emphasized that the stay in the museum space was therapeutic in itself. The possibility of the so-called ‘depot’ or prolonged effect of the unique prescription was observed, emphasizing that the participation in the workshops left an impression on the participants and that they will stay with a positive feeling and pleasantness after receiving a ‘dose’ of culture for health.
Making health information understandable: the COVID-19 patient guideline
Authors: Oeser A , Messer S , Schneider S , Lund N , Haase R , Janssens U , Kreuzberger N , Skoetz N
Published: October 2024

Issue

Evidence-based practice guidelines offer a reliable source of information, providing recommendations based on the most recent evidence. However, these guidelines are complex and difficult to understand for laypersons. This creates a knowledge gap, affecting shared-decision making, treatment acceptance, understanding of a disease and recommendations of disease prevention.

Description of the problem

Patient guidelines (PatG) aim to bridge this knowledge-gap by providing simplified versions of practice guidelines in lay language. This is a common practice internationally. An example is the German evidence-based COVID-19 practice guideline, published in 01/2024. In March, a multidisciplinary team, including a patient representative, created and reviewed a PatG outline, prioritising topics based on patient relevance, and discussed relevant information. The authors translated guideline recommendations into lay language, researched additional information, and created supporting graphics. A methodology chapter explaining both guidelines and a short medical term dictionary were also included.

Results

In 05/2024, the COVID-19 PatG, around 70 pages long, was finalized including information on treatment, diagnostics, intensive care, and support resources. A feedback round was initiated. Comments will be incorporated for the final version to be published in the national guideline registry by end of 05/2024. Updates of the PatG and practice guidelines will occur frequently.

Lessons

We faced challenges in simplifying medical concepts and interventions and accurately translating recommendations without losing key information. The length of the PatG may discourage readers. Despite these challenges, we are committed to enhancing accessibility, using simpler language, and adding supporting graphics to improve the PatG in the future.

Key messages

• Despite some challenges, patient guidelines pose as a reliable form of patient information.

• The COVID-19 patient guideline is a reliable and evidence-based source of information.
Vaccination health literacy: cultural validation and pilot testing of the HLS19-VAC instrument
Authors: Brankovic J , Stevic I , Krajnovic D
Published: October 2024

Introduction

VaccinÐ°tion health literacy (VHL) is considered an extremely important aspect of health literacy. HLS19-VAC questionnaire is a 14-item ‘subjective’ perception-based instrument used for measuring VHL in the M-POHL Health Literacy Survey 2019-2021, which Serbia was not part of.

Aim

Translation and cultural validation of the HLS19-VAC questionnaire and using the validated Serbian version (HLS19-VAC_RS) for pilot study research.

Materials and methods

The English version of HLS19-VAC was translated using a systematic approach; three forward and one back-translations were synthesized and compared by an expert committee. Thereafter, cognitive interviews with 11 participants produced a version that was culturally validated by an expert panel. We conducted a cross-sectional pilot study using a HLS19-VAC_RS, on a convenient sample of the general population in Serbia. VHL was assessed by calculating the score for 4 out of 14 questions. Additional data were collected through a general questionnaire with 30 questions. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used.

Results

Cognitive interviews showed some problems in wording, and cultural adaptation resulted in minor refinements to eight out of 14 items. The instrument was pretested by 11 experts who adjusted it accordingly to produce culturally validated HLS19 -VAC_RS. Of 439 respondents in a pilot study, 15% had problematic VHL, while the levels of sufficient and excellent VHL were nearly the same (38.5% and 35.1%, respectively). There was difficulty in deciding whether to receive the flu vaccine (15.0%) and to find information about recommended vaccines (12.3%). There was a significant statistical difference in responses to VHL and monthly income and alcohol consumption. Most of the respondents contacted pharmacists as primary sources of information about medication (42.7%).

Conclusions

HLS19 -VAC_RS could be implemented in a local context as culturally appropriate. Further testing on a population level is needed.

Key messages

• HLS19-VAC_RS Questionnaire is culturally appropriate for assessing vaccination health literacy in Serbia.

• Majority of respodents had sufficient or excellent vaccination health literacy.
How can healthcare professionals assist in improving mothers’ health?
Authors: Bord S , Inchi L , Paldi Y , Baruch R , Stolerman E , Schwartz Shpiro M , Ronen S , Eisenberg L , Yaari M
Published: October 2024

Background

Mothers’ health is crucial as it significantly impacts the overall health of their children and families. The first year of motherhood can be especially difficult and can lead to a considerable decline in mental health and well-being. However, studies have shown that these challenges persist throughout early childhood. This study examined the association between mothers’ self-compassion, social support, and self-care behaviors and their physical and mental well-being.

Methods

In August 2023, a survey was conducted among 521 Israeli mothers (437 Jewish and 84 Arab mothers) of children aged three and under. Linear regression models were used to assess the factors that predict the mothers’ physical and mental health. These models explained 11% of the variance in the mothers’ physical health and 39% of the variance in their mental health.

Results

Respondents’ ages ranged from 19 to 48, with a mean age of 31.5 years. Reported physical health was relatively high (n = 442, M = 78.36, SD = 21 on a scale of 0-100). However, the reported mental health was lower (n = 401, M = 65.88, SD = 20.28 on a scale of 0-100). Reported Physical health was found to be higher for Jewish mothers, younger mothers, and mothers with higher income levels. Further, higher social support and higher self-compassion levels were associated with better perceived physical health (Adj R2=0.11, P < 0.001). Mental health was higher for Jewish mothers, younger mothers, and full-time employed mothers. Further, higher social support, self-compassion, and reported self-care were associated with better perceived mental health (Adj R2=0.39, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Health practitioners who work with mothers of young children should take a proactive approach to helping them establish a nurturing environment, practice self-compassion, and engage in self-care activities.

Key messages

• Encouraging self-compassion and self-care in postpartum mothers is crucial, as it is essential to prioritize the mother’s health alongside her baby.

• Low socioeconomic background and Ethnicity are risk factors for lower physical and mental health after childbirth. Reducing health disparities and targeting these vulnerable populations is crucial.
Barriers and facilitators to remote healthcare services use: perspectives of women and providers
Authors: Khazen M , Yakov G Y
Published: October 2024

Background

The remote health services (RHS) proliferation raises concerns regarding relatively low use among minorities. Arab women in Israel belong to a minority that experiences health disparities, stigmatization, social and economic marginalization. This study aimed to identify barriers and facilitating means to RHS use relevant to Arab women in Israel from the perspective of women, primary care physicians (PCPs), and nurses.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 Arab women, 18 PCPs, and 4 nurses from different parts in Israel between December 2023-March 2024. We used a positive deviance approach by interviewing 14 women who succeeded in using RHS and 11 who did not. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and thematically analyzed using Atlas qualitative analysis software.

Findings

The data distilled three main barriers to RHS use: sociocultural- importance of close relations with PCPs, privacy concerns of revealing the body or conversing with unfamiliar physicians, strict supervision by the family (Bedouin society); logistical-limited internet access and infrastructure, personal- unawareness to RHS, digital literacy, normative conceptions of limited quality of care and believing that only some health conditions are suitable for RHS. Facilitating means to RHS use: gender roles-women’s role as family health caretakers, mothers maintaining work-family balance and younger women generation feeling responsible for the older generation RHS adoption, accessibility- wider access to care due to limited transportation.

Conclusions

It is important to identify facilitating conditions (e.g., training opportunities, social, technological support), cultured elements (gender roles, limited mobility), and trust to adopting RHS by minority populations. The study provide data for developing requirements to ensure more equitable access to RHS to Arab women including addressing privacy concerns, guidelines for RHS-related information dissemination, and for RHS providers.

Key messages

• The findings help develop approaches and means to improve RHS use for Arab women from diverse backgrounds by identifying barriers associated with access, culture, and normative conceptions.

• Developing RHS systems into routine care must ensure equitable use across social groups and address economic, logistical, and sociocultural barriers and guidelines for RHS information dissemination.
Identity in the context of physical activity and smoking: A scoping review among adults aged 45+
Authors: Penfornis K M , van Vliet MHM , von Haeseler E F , Gebhardt W A , Meijer E
Published: October 2024

Background

Identity (i.e., self-perceptions of oneself) plays an important role in health behaviors such as physical activity (PA) and smoking. This review offers a comprehensive synthesis and comparison of how PA- and smoking-related identity is associated with PA and smoking behavior in adults aged 45+. It further synthesizes and compares identity terminology and measurement tools used to capture identity concerning smoking cessation and PA among adults aged 45+. Where applicable, the role of personal, PA-, and smoking-related characteristics were considered.

Methods

A thorough search across 11 databases, updated in May 2023, yielded 5801 unique publications. Ensuing careful screening procedures, 45 peer-reviewed empirical studies were systematically reviewed. Experts in the field contributed to validate and structure the narrative.

Results

The review reveals a complex, enduring connection between identity and behavior in both PA and smoking domains, encompassing processes like identity formation, maintenance, change, and loss. In essence, identities linked to PA and abstaining from smoking emerged as pivotal for promoting active lifestyles and successful smoking cessation. Many parallels but also distinctions emerged within this association, alongside variations in the terminology and measurement tools pertaining to identity. Factors such as gender, age, and behavioral history emerged as influential in shaping identities related to smoking and PA.

Conclusions

Despite variances, findings suggest that the relationship between identity and behavior, including associated processes, may not fundamentally differ between health-promoting and health-compromising behaviors. There is however need for more unified identity definitions and measurement tools. We propose avenues for future research, including exploring causality between identity and behavior to facilitate the development of identity-related smoking cessation and PA-promotion interventions.

Key messages

• Identities associated with physical activity and refraining from smoking are associated with a physically active lifestyle and successful smoking cessation.

• Despite differences, the relationship between identity and behavior may not fundamentally vary between health-promoting and health-compromising behaviors.
Developing mental wellbeing promotion practices in Finnish primary schools: The CONSENSUS project
Authors: Nordmyr J , Tuomela S , Forsman A K
Published: October 2024

Issue/problem

Schools constitute a key arena for promoting mental wellbeing among children and adolescents, and the Finnish welfare state has many beneficial structures in place for promoting mental wellbeing in schools. However, as mental health problems are prevalent, the need to advance this work is vital, ideally applying a holistic approach focusing on school-family interaction.

Description of the problem

The Finnish CONSENSUS project (2021-2025) focuses on the development of new practices and collaboration models in mental wellbeing promotion, targeting pupils in 13 primary schools in the Ostrobothnia region. The project answers question such as: What focal areas are prioritized by stakeholders in the development of mental wellbeing promotion in schools? How do participatory principles contribute to the development process and related outcomes?

Results

In 2024, a synthesis of previous project results (interviews, focus groups and longitudinal survey data collected among pupils, school personnel, school health care services and parents) was generated. The synthesis encompasses 20 possible priority areas to focus on in the development of mental well-being promotion actions, which are ranked by stakeholder representatives utilizing Delphi methods. Some pinpointed priority areas are implemented and evaluated in collaboration with self-selected schools during the academic year 2024-2025.

Lessons

Results highlight priorities in the development of mental wellbeing promotion in Finnish primary schools and describe focal areas being piloted, also illustrating opportunities and challenges when implementing participatory principles in action research projects.

Key messages

• Project results highlight prioritized areas in the development of mental wellbeing promotion in Finnish schools, as well as new initiatives currently being piloted.

• The project approach emphasising participatory principles provides lessons for other initiatives focusing on mental wellbeing promotion development in schools.
Pediatric Allergy Management at ULSNE: Insights into Public Health Implications
Authors: Salvador S , Ferreira R , Rosa I
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Pediatric allergies present a complex challenge to public health systems, affecting both policy-making and clinical management. This study explores the management trends and challenges of pediatric allergies at the Unidade Local de Saúde do Nordeste (ULSNE) in Portugal, emphasizing its implications for refining healthcare practices over a seven-year period.

Methods

A retrospective review of medical records was performed, from children aged 0 to 18 who presented with allergic reactions at ULSNE’s emergency services between 2017 and 2023. The analysis concentrated on demographics, allergen types, reaction severity, and the management strategies deployed.

Results

The analysis revealed a wide range of allergens, from food to insect stings, with medication being the most prevalent triggers. Significant findings include observing severe allergic reactions across all age groups, highlighting the need for acute emergency interventions. The data underscores a critical demand for early diagnosis and tailored-made management plans to efficiently handle the diverse severity of allergic reactions observed.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the complexity of managing pediatric allergies within ULSNE’s public health framework. Standardized, evidence-based management methods should be adopted to strengthen emergency response capabilities, as shown by the frequency of severe responses and the prevalence of various allergens. As an outcome, our results support a comprehensive, interdisciplinary strategy that includes medical personnel, educational institutions, and family involvement to create a supportive community that is supportive of both immediate care and long-term preventive measures. Subsequent efforts should give precedence to educational programs designed to increase consciousness and encourage preventive measures in community environments.

Key messages

• A rapid response is essential for healthcare systems to have fast, effective strategies ready for children’s severe allergic reactions.

• Emphasizes a collective approach involving healthcare workers, schools, and families to prevent and manage children’s allergies, enhancing safety and awareness.
Surfing a culturally-relevant physical activity: a new wave for health promotion
Authors: Sentell T , Thompson M , Phillips M , Schmid S , Look M , Saiki K , Rodericks R , Hoo C Soo , Weldon R , Pirkle C
Published: October 2024

Background

Surfing originated with Native Hawaiians prior to Western contact. It has since gained worldwide popularity, with an estimated 50 million surfers globally, and recently became an official Olympic sport. Associations have been reported between surfing and mental and physical health outcomes, greater community cohesion, and stronger intra-family relationships. Despite this evidence, surfing is deeply understudied in the context of health promotion.

Purpose

Surfing was analyzed from a mixed methods perspective to explore factors associated with lifetime participation and current engagement, including gender, race/ethnicity, chronic disease, social context, meaning, and average time of participation.

Methods

Hawai’i adult residents (n = 1066) completed an online or phone questionnaire. Modified Poisson regression models were fit for lifetime engagement and having a self-reported chronic disease, adjusting for primary race/ethnicity, age, gender, and education.

Results

Over their lifetime, 42% of respondents (50% men and 37% women) had participated in surfing. Engagement was highest during youth and young adulthood, and decreased with age, yet trends varied notably by race/ethnicity, gender, and generation. Lifetime surfing engagement was significantly related to lower likelihood of diabetes (aPR:0.72; 95%CI:0.56-0.92;p=0.009). Individuals who regularly participated in surfing typically did so with friends (78%) or family (61%); average surfing session duration was 209 minutes. Qualitative results revealed the relevance of surfing across levels of influence for health and wellbeing from physical fitness to community, culture, history and spirituality.

Conclusions

This work provides insights on the health promotion opportunities of surfing across the life-course and populations, including disease prevention and management. This study has implications for planning and policy locally and globally to achieve optimal community and planetary health.

Key messages

• Surfing is not only a sport for elite athletes, but also an activity that can support community and individual health and wellbeing in many populations over the lifespan.

• Promotion of surfing and public ocean access can support multidimensional influences for wellbeing and should be a focus of cross sector collaborations for optimal community and planetary health.
Promoting active ageing: The positive impact of older people’s participation in Urban Gardens
Authors: Fernández Salido N , Gallego Valadés A , Serra Castells C , Garcés Ferrer J
Published: October 2024

Background

The socio-health and economic consequences of the progressive population ageing constitute a global challenge for public health, which is committed to the promotion of active and healthy ageing as a strategy to mitigate these consequences. The European project U-GARDEN has evaluated from a comprehensive and innovative approach the impact of urban gardens on the promotion of active ageing through the participation of older people in urban agriculture.

Methods

A qualitative methodology was designed and implemented in order to analyse the information provided by people over 65 years of age, who actively participated in urban gardens, from a personal and subjective perspective through semi-structured in-depth interviews. The benefits obtained from participation in urban gardens were analysed, considering the different dimensions that make up the paradigm of active ageing: physical, psychological, economic, health, behavioural and personal impact. A total of 20 interviews were used to reach the saturation point.

Results

Qualitative analysis showed multiple benefits of active and healthy aging. Participants reported increased physical activity and psychosocial improvements such as higher personal satisfaction, reduced stress, and enhanced self-esteem, strengthening community connections and fostering a sense of belonging. Economically, they reported savings on food costs and increased food security. Overall, respondents noted improvements in general health and quality of life, highlighting urban gardening as valuable for well-being and social-economic integration.

Conclusions

The findings reported in the framework of the U-GARDEN project support the importance of implementing innovative strategies that encourage participation in urban gardens as a tool to improve the overall wellbeing and health of older people, effectively addressing some of the main challenges of ageing such as loneliness unwanted frailty and disability.

Key messages

• The U-GARDEN project is an example of good practice in the use of urban gardens as a platform for promoting active and healthy ageing.

• The promotion of green spaces through the establishment of urban gardens should be considered by health and political authorities for their ability to promote the general well-being of society.
Factors associated with use of active transport in users of HEVS Program of Ministry of Sports
Authors: Castro Ramírez C , Mendoza D , Triana-Reina H R , Gálvez A , Ruiz N , Leandro R , Díaz del Castillo A , Saenz N , Serrato J , Sánchez Revilla J
Published: October 2024

Background

Sedentary behavior and physical inactivity are associated with an increased risk of chronic disease and mortality. Studies have shown the benefits of active transport to reduce NCDs. In Colombia, studies have been developed to determine the factors associated with the use of active transport, in cities such as Bogota but not nationally, therefore, this study seeks to determine the factors associated with the use of active transport in users of the National Program of Habits and Healthy Lifestyle (HEVS) led by the Ministry of Sport of Colombia in partnership with municipal sports and departmental.

Methods

The research presented a quantitative approach on a retrospective basis. The population consisted of 75,086 users of the HEVS program in 2019, over 18 years old (average = 44.04 and D.E. = 15.75 years old) of which 87.7% were women. For the statistical analysis a forward logistic regression model was carried out, with the dependent variable: active transport use (0 = no active transport use and 1 = active transport use).

Results

41.6% of 75086 participants reported using active transport, corresponding to 31,211. Regular users, who attend physical activity programs 3 times a week, report a higher probability of using active transport OR = 1.38 (95% CI 1.31 to 1.45), compared to those who attend less than 3 times a week. Being female represents a greater probability of using active transport compared to men, OR = 1.39 (95% CI 1.32 to 1.47), those who add salt to food are also more likely to use active transport than those who do not add, OR = 2.04 (95% CI 1.92 to 2.26) and in terms of physical activity, those who meet the minimum recommendations in minutes a week use active transport more likely than those who do not comply, OR = 1.49 (95% CI 1.4 to 1.6).

Conclusions

Using active transport is associated with greater compliance with weekly physical activity recommendations. Women are more likely to use active transport just like people who add salt to food.

Key messages

• In order to reduce NCDs in the Colombian population, walking or cycling is proposed because it is associated with a greater probability of compliance with weekly physical activity recommendations.

• Formulating public policies in Colombia that encourage the use of active transport would contribute to meeting weekly physical activity requirements.
Visualizing patterns of factors influencing school health promotion implementation
Authors: Sterr K , Butscher F , Blaschke S
Published: October 2024

Background

The school setting offers a special opportunity for health-promotion (HP) interventions, as children spend 1/3 of their daily time there. Yet, implementing HP remains challenging due to the complexity of schools and unique contextual factors influencing implementation. While common influencing factors have been described, the aim of this study is to explore how influencing factors co-occur within and vary across schools, forming potential patterns of barriers and facilitators.

Methods

As part of a school HP program involving 258 institutions across Germany, nine schools were selected using maximum heterogeneity sampling for in-depth interviews on influencing factors by employing the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed deductively using the CFIR as category system. Identified influencing factors were quantified [-5; +5] whether being a major barrier (-5) or a major facilitator (+5). To visualize potential patterns, a matrix heat map (MHM) displaying all influencing factors across all schools was created.

Preliminary results

Influencing factors in almost all CFIR categories were identified and all schools reported factors as barriers, such as parental engagement or (in)sufficient time. From the MHM, patterns of influencing factors, co-occurring within and differing across schools, emerged. For instance, some schools found the physical environment to be a barrier, while others considered it a facilitator, often in conjunction with financing as another facilitator.

Conclusions

Qualitative analysis and visualization of results with a MHM served as a way to navigate the complexity of the school setting and to highlight patterns of factors influencing implementation. Understanding these patterns can enhance tailoring implementation strategies, thereby improve implementation of school HP interventions and, ultimately, foster child health outcomes.

Key messages

• Influencing factors for school HP implementation manifest in varied patterns of barriers and facilitators across schools, which has implications for tailoring implementation strategies.

• Using qualitative analysis guided by the CFIR and a MHM for visualization can aid in navigating the complexity of schools.
Health promotion interventions for children and adolescents using e-health: a systematic review
Authors: Bae E , Jang M
Published: October 2024

Background

The utilization of e-health in healthcare interventions has become increasingly prevalent due to its cost-effectiveness. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of evidence regarding the use of e-health in children, as the majority of e-health interventions are focused on adults. This study aimed to identify the components and effects of e-health intervention for the promotion of children’s health and to suggest strategies for their implementation.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. A literature review of relevant studies published between January 2013 and November 2023 was conducted. A search of databases including PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Review Library was conducted using a combination of medical subject headings (MeSH) and keywords. A qualitative appraisal of the studies was conducted using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2).

Results

Sixteen studies were selected. Most studies showed good methodological quality. The majority of studies (n = 15) focused on improving children’s physical health, while only one study focused on mental health. There were a variety of components to the intervention, including internet education, web-based home-exercise, serious games, mobile apps, email counseling, and active video games, and only one type of intervention was provided, or a combination with additional methods such as phone calls and counseling. A review of the literature indicates that e-health interventions have been effective in increasing children’s physical activity, reducing weight, relieving stress, and reducing depression.

Conclusions

This study identified the effectiveness of e-health interventions for improving children’s physical and mental health. The use of e-health to promote children’s health should be actively developed and implemented in a variety of clinical and community settings.

Key messages

• E-health interventions have been demonstrated to be an effective means of improving the physical and mental health of children and adolescents.

• It is recommended that health promotion interventions utilizing e-health be developed and tested in a variety of communities and settings for children and adolescents.