bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Perspectives of Asylum Seekers When Accessing Sexual Health Services in Cork and Kerry
Authors: Jones MM , Barry F , Davoren M
Published: October 2021

Objectives

The aim of this study is to gain an understanding of the collective experiences of asylum seekers when accessing sexual health services in Cork and Kerry so that this research may inform how future policies and service provision can be targeted towards addressing these specific needs. Specifically, the objective is to determine the perceived barriers and facilitators to accessing sexual health services among asylum seekers, and to get an understanding of the overall lived experiences of asylum seekers when accessing these services.

Methods

This is a qualitative study which utilised data from 14 semi-structured interviews conducted with asylum seekers between May and June 2019. Participants were over 18 and living in direct provision in Cork or Kerry. This study used a content analysis to interpret the data and develop categories which produced the results.

Results

Participants demonstrated varying levels of understanding of sexual health and sexual health services. Several barriers and facilitators were identified which can be grouped into socioeconomic, political/legal, systemic, and social/cultural/religious barriers and facilitators.

Conclusions

The findings from this study highlighted several areas for improvement in the provision of information and services relating to sexual health for asylum seekers and revealed the importance of addressing these issues to fulfil the purpose of public health by promoting health, preventing disease and prolonging life for all members of society.

Key messages

There are varying levels of knowledge around sexual health and access to services among asylum seekers in direct provision. There are several barriers and facilitators to sexual health and access to services among asylum seekers and these highlight the areas of improvement that can shape future policy and service provision.
Community capacity building for culturally sensitive prevention and control of NCDs
Authors: Pardoel Z , Widyaningsih V
Published: October 2021

In Southeast Asia, it is common practice to have community-based interventions targeting health promotion, prevention and management of diseases. Often interventions developed by WHO or health programmes in the regions are copied. From literature it is known that community-based interventions are more effective when tailored to the local language, including the lingo, and custom traditions and adapted to preferences, needs, values, interests, religion, and other sociocultural specific aspects. Cultural and contextual adaptation of an intervention is difficult and dynamic, and to date there is no practical and scientific base how to do this. In this presentation the developing of contextual and culturally sensitive and responsive capacity building materials for health promotion and screening by community volunteers and community groups will be elaborated by the following topics:

Development of general capacity building methods and curricula, taking into account local training needs of community workers Tools for pre-test post-test of training to assess the level of understanding by participants Tools for measuring contextual and cultural sensitivity of training modules and training activities Tools for adjustment of training and materials to context and culture, building on the findings in the previous tools

 

The presentation will show the application of these tools and the final outcome when applying them in practice.
Relationship between Climate Change and Health Sector Planning
Authors: Brueske A , Quentin W
Published: October 2021

Climate change and its impact on the environment will have negative effects on health worldwide. National health strategies and plans (NHSPs) play an essential role in defining the future of a country's health system. It remains unknown whether and how NHSPs take climate change and related health risks into account and if this is done by countries that are most affected by climate change. This study aims (1) to understand the content of NHSPs with regard to climate change, (2) to assess the characteristics of countries with NHSPs that take climate change into account and (3) to analyze the factors that influence countries addressing climate change in NHSPs. NHSPs from 101 countries were studied. Keyword searches of NHSPs were used to identify concepts linked to climate change and related health risks. NHSPs were classified into red (no consideration of climate change), yellow (discussion of climate issues) and green (yellow + discussion of adaptation strategies). Two logistic regression models were conducted to analyze the relationship between NHSP categorization and potential explanatory factors, such as wealth (GNI/capita), Climate Risk, Climate Vulnerability or Climate Change-related Health Risk. Climate change is addressed in 66 NHSPs but only 38 NHSPs propose adaptation strategies (green category). African and low-income countries tend to address climate change in their NHSPs more frequently than high-income countries. The regression analysis found that NHSPs are more likely to address climate change (green and yellow) if countries face a higher degree of climate risk and climate vulnerability. No statistically significant association was found for climate change-related health risk and gross national income. Only about one third of all analyzed NHSPs discussed both the effects of climate change and potential adaptation measures. Climate change is addressed mostly by NHSPs of countries strongly affected by climate change.

Key messages

NHSPs could potentially provide strategic direction for health systems to adapt to climate change. NHSPs of many countries do not discuss how to adapt the health system to climate change.
Developing a Frailty Index and investigating its psychometric properties using Item Response Theory
Authors: Kleinenberg-Talsma N , van der Lucht F , Jager-Wittenaar H , Krijnen WP , Finnema EJ
Published: October 2021

Background

The proportion of frail older adults is increasing and is expected to further increase in the coming years, both globally and in the Dutch population. This poses a great challenge to public health. To determine the prevalence of frailty in a population, a frailty index (FI) is recommended. A FI is an accumulation model encompassing health deficits in multiple domains. Previous research has shown that a FI can be created out of existing health surveys, since it is a flexible instrument, fairly insensitive to the use of specific items. However, this is based on scale development using Classical Test Theory, while few studies have investigated the psychometric properties of their FI using Item Response Theory (IRT). The aim of this study was to create a FI using the Dutch Health Monitor 2016, and to investigate its psychometric properties using Item Response Theory (IRT).

Methods

Forty-two deficits were selected in three health domains, i.e., physical, psychological, and social. Psychometric properties were investigated by using an IRT model for polytomous response categories: the Graded Response Model (GRM). Items were evaluated by Cronbach's Alpha, Factor Analysis, Point Polyserial Correlations, and GRM.

Results

The analyses showed that all items demonstrated a positive association with the scale. However, five items did not fit well to the FI scale. From the physical domain these were body mass index and three items about adherence to physical activity guidelines: moderate activity per week; bone and muscle strengthening activities; balance exercises. From the psychological domain this was an item about a sense of control over one's own future.

Conclusions

By using IRT, we showed that while 37 items were adequate and fitted the scale well, five items in our FI were redundant, indicating that it does matter which items are selected for a FI. IRT is a strong method for item selection and thus for creating a more concise Frailty Index.

Key messages

Creating a solid and more concise Frailty Index with IRT is promising for epidemiological research and public health. For creating a Frailty Index, item selection needs careful consideration.
Knowledge, Attitudes and Skills of Emergency Healthcare Workers in Pandemic with Simulated Case
Authors: Caliskan Pala S , Metintas S , Ozakın E , Pala VG
Published: October 2021

Background

Pandemic is a major global health threat in the present and the future as in the past. As Pre-Hospital Emergency Healthcare Workers (PHE-HCW) are at the front-line of pandemic, they should be well-equipped. The study was aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and skills of PHE-HCW about pandemic preparedness.

Methods

This cross-sectional study conducted on 202 PHE-HCW selected by random sampling in Eskisehir. Of 40.6% the study group consisted of paramedic graduates of associate degree and 59.4% of emergency medical technicians (EMT) graduated from vocational high schools. A total of 111 cases were developed using the template of events for applied and critical healthcare simulation. The green (minor injuries), yellow (non-life-threatening injuries) and red (life-threatening injuries) coded COVID-19 positive cases were used to evaluate the simulated case scores of each participant. Each scenario consists of 6 steps (infection control measures, patient history-examination, medical treatment, diagnosis, communication, and delivering the patient to the healthcare institution) and 20 questions (min:0, max:40 points). The score that could be obtained according to the number of questions in the steps was standardized.

Results

Of 62.4% the study group was female and the mean age (SD) was 29.2 (5.5). The mean score (SD) that the study group had from the cases was 28.5 (5.6) in a green cases, 28.9 (5.6) in yellow cases, and 25.7 (6.5) in red cases.The mean score was lower in the red cases. Male than female (p = 0.001), paramedics than EMTs (p = 0.009) and those with 2-3 years of working time than those with one year of working time scored higher (p = 0.023). None of the participants obtained a full score in any of the steps, the highest score step was infection control measures (1.56), while the lowest score was medical treatment (1.27).

Conclusions

PHE-HCW have deficiencies at all steps, most notably at the medical treatment step.

Key messages

Pre-hospital healthcare workers’ pre-graduate education and professional experiences have an positive impact on their knowledge, attitudes and skills regarding the pandemic. In order to increase the pandemic preparedness in pre-hospital healthcare workers intensive training should be given in the first year of their professional life and its continuity should be provided.
Quality of life, stress and burnout of mothers of autistic children – the case of Latvia
Authors: Tzivian L , Degiannis JR , Grigorjeva M , Bite I , Folkmanis V
Published: October 2021

Background

Caring for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) demands constant parental attention to all life activities. Mothers of children with ASD experience higher stress levels comparing to mothers of developmentally intact children. That can increase parental burnout, and inversely affect their quality of life (QOL). In addition, those living in East Europe suffer from lack of appropriate support. The study aims to investigate the association between stress, burnout and QOL among Latvian mothers of ASD children.

Methods

Mothers of ASD children (N = 76) were enrolled in the study using Internet platforms. We used Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Shirom-Melamed Burnout Scale (SMBS), and World Health Organization QOL (WHOQOL) questionnaires, and assessed socio-demographic data. Multiple logistic regression models adjusted for personal covariates were built for the association between PSS, SMBS and WHOQOL.

Results

Most of respondents were married (56.6%) 30-39 years old (52.6%), having male (84.2%) 6-10 years old (52.6%) children with ASD. Mean PSS and SMBS were 3.31±0.63 and 6.04±1.63, respectively. Strong significant correlation (rs = 0.75, p < 0.01) was found between PSS and SMBS, therefore, only SMBS was included in regression model. In fully adjusted multiple logistic regression model, better QOL was inversely associated with SMBS (odds ratio, OR = 0.35 [95% confidence interval 0.19; 0.62]), single family status (OR = 0.43 [0.20; 0.92]), and unemployed status of mother (OR = 0.12 [0.03; 0.50]), but not with age of mother and of the child.

Conclusions

Mothers of ASD children in East Europe are in high risk of stress, burnout and bad QOL, as the diagnostics and care for ASD children in these countries is insufficient, and support for their parents is not provided at the state level. Raising awareness of policy makers and public health authorities may help to improve this situation.

Key messages

Mothers of ASD children in East Europe should be treated at the state level to reduce their burnout and improve QOL. Raising awareness of policy makers and public health authorities may help to improve the situation of mothers of ASD children.
The impact of resilience and loneliness during COVID-19 pandemic on youth’s (18 – 25 years old) mental health
Authors: Reis J , Marchini S , Bouziotis J , Delhaye M , Delvenne V
Published: October 2021

Background

Mental health, particularly among young adults, has been severely affected during the COVID-19 pandemic, partially because of both forced social isolation measures and loneliness. Numerous papers on the short-term consequences of lockdown measures reported high psychological distress, as well as an increase of depressive and anxiety symptoms and psychotropic drug use. This study evaluated potential risk and protective factors, such as resilience, loneliness, social and family context, in order to detect vulnerable individuals.

Methods

This prospective longitudinal study was carried out in a two-phase survey: the first one, during lockdown in Spring 2020 (T1), and, the second one, in Summer 2020 (T2), when restrictive measures were slackened. The main outcomes included the Resilience Scale for Adults (RSA) and the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness Scale. The secondary outcomes included mental health care needs (MHCN), use of psychotropic drugs and family and social contacts.

Results

This study evaluated risks and protective factors in mental health in 825 emerging adults aged from 18 to 25 years old in Belgium and in Italy. Participants were divided into three groups according to their MHCN before and after lockdown measures. 5% of the participants experienced an increase in MHCN at T1, including the start of a psychotropic treatment. At T1, statistically significant differences were found in mean RSA total scores and RSA Perception of Self scores between groups. At T2, the group who experienced an increase in MHCN displayed a significant decrease of mean loneliness scores compared with the other groups. This decrease is linearly correlated with resilience competencies.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic and its associated restrictive measures cause a negative impact on youth's mental health, particularly among vulnerable individuals. Resilience and social contacts are protective factors that need to be taken into account.
Increased risk of job strain and mental health among first and second-generation migrants in France
Authors: Gosselin A , Malroux I , Desprat D , Devetter FX , Memmi S , Valat E , Pannetier J , Melchior M
Published: October 2021

Background

Immigrants often have more difficult working conditions than natives in Europe, which could particularly expose them to psychosocial work factors and participate to a deteriorated mental health. This study aims to 1) describe the prevalence of job strain across origin and its determinants in France 2) verify whether the association between job strain and mental health hold across all population groups.

Methods

We used the national Conditions de travail-Risques Psychosociaux 2016 survey (N = 24, 640) which is representative of the active population in France. Mental health was measured by Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-Mini). Among employed persons, we described the prevalence of job strain according to migratory status and by sex. Then we modelled the probability to be exposed to job strain with Poisson regressions. Finally we modelled the probability to have a Generalised Anxiety Disorder in each group of population with Poisson regressions.

Results

The prevalence of job strain was 44% among first-generation immigrants from Africa and 50% among second-generation immigrants (not EU, not Africa) vs 32% in the non-immigrant population, p < 0.0001)., with differentiated gender patterns. After adjustment on sociodemographic and occupational characteristics, women were more likely to be exposed to jobstrain [aIRR=1,30 [1,24;1,37]] as well as second-generation immigrants from Africa (aIRR=1,10 [1,00;1,21]). Job strain was associated with Generalised Anxiety Disorder in all groups of population.

Conclusions

Immigrants are more exposed to job strain in France and more research is needed to understand this increased risk. Additionally, job strain was associated with anxiety in all immigrant groups and could contribute to immigrants' deteriorated mental health.

Key messages

First and second generation immigrants are more exposed to job strain than non-immigrants in France. This increased risk is only partially explained by the type of jobs they hold.
Barriers, facilitators and pathways of a lung cancer screening (LCS) programme: COBELT co-design
Authors: Brown L , Sullivan F , Treweek S , Haddow A , Mountain R , Selby C , Beusekom M van
Published: October 2021

Lung cancer (LC) is one of the most common causes of cancer death globally. Adults aged 55+, (ex)-smokers and living in areas of deprivation are at greater risk from lung cancer. Leading to a 20% decrease in mortality rates, screening with Low Dose CT (LDCT) is a promising means of detecting LC early. Autoantibody biomarker blood tests may play a role in identifying people suitable for LDCT screening, forming a national LCS programme. To increase the likelihood of the success of such a programme, suitable ways of providing the service must firstly be identified. A 2-phase co-design process, with 2 population groups. Group 1-Aged 55+, (ex)-smoker, high deprivation (N = 39). Group 2-Health and community professionals (N = 16). Phase 1: Interviews and focus groups. Conversations focussed on barriers, facilitators and potential pathways for the uptake and provision of a biomarker blood test and LCS. Phase 2: Interactive surveys (offline/online), focussing on the prioritisation of key barriers and solution generation. Qualitative data was transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Descriptive statistics were generated for quantitative data. Phase 1 identified key barriers, facilitators and pathways for uptake and provision. Service users indicated options for uptake and a means to embed the programme in the community as essential. From the perspective of providers, capacity and time for provision were key. Phase 2 found a home test kit was the preferred method of blood test for service users (independently or with assistance). Service providers leaned towards provision via venesection. Barriers were ranked by service users, the most dominant barrier was Fear of test result. Working in a collaborative manner has led to the identification of new knowledge and insights regarding the best means to target a future LCS programme to those who may benefit most. Future implementation of such a programme should consider the results from this study.

This is a CSO funded project.

Key messages

This process has illuminated key barriers, facilitators and pathway options that could improve the implementation of a LCS programme, using an autoantibody blood test to identify LDCT candidates. Measures to overcome barriers from both the perspective of the service users and providers are necessary to ensure the success of the LCS programme.
Return to work and quality of life after trauma: A systematic review
Authors: David S , Aaroke A , Solomon H , Roy N , Stålsby Lundborg C , Gerdin Wärnberg M
Published: October 2021

Background

Globally, one-tenth of the disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) are due to injuries. Injuries can reduce employment opportunities and significantly affect the quality of life (QOL). Most research on these outcomes tend to focus on specific mechanisms of injury like road traffic crashes or falls, or body regions affected such as brain or limbs. But rarely do patients come with just body region injured nor does the healthcare system only treat one specific mechanism of injury. Therefore, we aimed to assess and provide a systematic overview of current knowledge about return to work (RTW) and QOL among adult injured patients up to 1-year after discharge.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of the literature published since 2010 on RTW and QoL among injured patients. Three databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library) were used. Meta-analysis was performed based on outcome, measurement tool, and the effect measure. Methodological quality of the studies were evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Tool Checklist.

Results

41 articles were included in this review. More than one-third (36%) of patients had not yet returned to back to work even after 1-year. Those who did get back to work took an average time of more than 3 months. The QOL scores of the injured patients had not reached the general population or pre-injury levels even up to a year post-discharge. Women and the elderly tended have poorer outcomes and were under-represented in the studies. Over 75% of the included studies were from high-income countries (HICs) and had higher methodological quality. There were no studies from low-income countries (LICs).

Conclusions

RTW and QOL continue to remain a challenge even up to year since discharge after an injury, more so among women and the elderly. Health policy and practice should address this burden. Future studies should focus on building of high-quality evidence from LMICs on RTW and QOL among injury survivors.

Key messages

Return to work and quality of life were significantly low even after 1-year in trauma patients, especially among elderly and females. Larger representation of elderly, females, and participants from low- and middle-income setting in future long-term research on trauma patients.
COVID-19 Public Health Guidance Database
Authors: Broderick N , Fawsitt CG , Tyner B , Larkin J , McCarthy M , Walsh KA , O'Neill M , Ryan M
Published: October 2021

Background

Since March 2020, members of the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) team in HIQA have been identifying, reviewing and presenting COVID-19 public health guidance produced by international organisations. The aim of this work has been to inform the development of public health guidance and policy by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), Department of Health and Health Service Executive (HSE), using international evidence and best practice.

Methods

International resources are searched on a weekly basis to identify new or updated public health guidance on COVID-19. The three distinct steps in the process include, searching relevant international resources, reviewing identified relevant public health guidance for COVID-19, and presenting new or updated guidance in a COVID-19 Public Health Guidance Database, which was created by the team using Microsoft Excel. The international organisations reviewed include the World Health Organisation, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as a range of ministries of health and public health agencies from 10 countries. These were chosen, based on guidance being available in English, widespread use of the organisation's advice, and/or the working constraints of the HTA team.

Results

The COVID-19 Public Health Guidance Database is updated weekly and provided to the relevant individuals within HPSC, Department of Health, and HSE, who are responsible for developing public health and infection, prevention and control guidance related to COVID-19 in Ireland. Following this the database is published online and may be utilised by the public or other international organisations.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 Public Health Guidance Database is used to inform the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically, to inform the development of public health and infection, prevention and control guidance to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Ecological momentary intervention to reduce suicide risk among adolescents (EMIRA)
Authors: Oexle N , Becker T , Boege I , Buschek D , Fegert J , Killian R , Noterdaeme M , Rassenhofer M , Ruesch N , Schulze U
Published: October 2021

Suicide is among the leading causes of death among adolescents and suicide risk is particularly high after discharge from psychiatric inpatient care. Therefore, interventions to reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviours (STBs) among adolescents discharged from psychiatric inpatient care are integral for successful suicide prevention among this group. However, such interventions are scarce. EMIRA aims to close this important gap in mental health services by developing an ecological momentary intervention (i.e., intervention delivered in real-time and within one's natural setting) consisting of a personalized, automatically triggered crisis support smartphone app to reduce STBs after discharge from psychiatric inpatient care among adolescents aged 14-21 years at risk for suicide. First, we will conduct qualitative interviews with adolescents aged 14-21 years who previously experienced STBs, their parents and health care providers to identify their intervention needs and safety concerns regarding ecological momentary assessment (EMA). Next, we will investigate the short-term variability of STBs and their cognitive and physiological risk factors among adolescents aged 14-21 years using EMA (app-based self-report + wrist worn device). Based on our results and past research we will develop a personalized crisis support smartphone app (mobile safety planning) that is not only self-accessible but starts automatically based on the presence of pre-identified STB risk factors. Finally, we will conduct two consecutive studies to test the feasibility, efficacy and cost-effectiveness of the developed ecological momentary intervention in reducing STBs after discharge from psychiatric inpatient care among adolescents aged 14-21 years at risk for suicide. EMIRA has great potential to close a crucial gap in adolescent mental health services and significantly improve suicide prevention among this group.
A phased city air quality management approach for faster clean air progress
Authors: Pun V , Mehta S , Kusuma R , Kass D
Published: October 2021

Clean air is a basic human right, yet over 90% of people are exposed to unhealthy levels of pollution, resulting in over 5 million deaths each year. The burden of air pollution is the greatest in densely populated cities; and will continue to grow without rapid and aggressive action to reduce pollution emissions. Air pollution is associated with chronic illnesses, including diabetes and heart and lung diseases, which can make people more susceptible to COVID-19. Local governments must prioritise feasible and scalable proven solutions and innovations in their jurisdictions to control local emissions in the near term while engaging advocacy and cooperation for regional and national actions to improve air quality over the long term. Vital Strategies' Accelerating City Progress on Clean Air: Innovation and Action Guide (the Guide) is an evidence-based, pragmatic playbook for helping city governments develop comprehensive air quality management systems to rapidly promote clean air for health. This talk will summarise the pragmatic step-by-step approach laid out in the Guide, and describe progress underway in Jakarta, Indonesia, where this guidance is being implemented to strengthen the city's clean air plan. Strategies to be discussed will include: innovations to improve data on air pollution levels and sources, health impact analyses using local data and policy implications; improved data transparency and communication on air quality issues; and the intersectoral approach and coordination being undertaken to accelerate and sustain clean air action.
Reducing deaths and injuries in cities around the world through a city multi-sector comprehensive approach
Authors: Ratte S
Published: October 2021

Road traffic crashes kill over 1.35 million people worldwide and injure up to 50 million people. They are the leading cause of death among the young. City governments, in conjunction with national governmental agencies, are critical to reducing road traffic deaths. Cities are well placed to demonstrate effective implementation of evidence-based interventions and catalyse national action. Proven road safety strategies include: → enforcing road safety laws on speeding, drink driving, motorcycle helmets and seat-belts → designing and building safer roads → managing speed effectively → implementing transportation systems to make urban mobility safer → promoting safe driving and building public support for road safety via communication campaigns → using data from high-quality monitoring and evaluation systems for policy and planning. This presentation will highlight the successes and challenges in some selected cities participating in the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety and share lessons learned in the implementation of a multi sector evidence-based comprehensive approach at city level.
Health Status of internally displaced persons in Georgia and Ukraine
Authors: Metreveli T , Antia Kh , Lobjanidze M
Published: October 2021

Background

Internally displaced persons (IDPs) are a vulnerable groups of population in Eastern European countries, such as Georgia and Ukraine. As of 2019, according to the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine, there are 1,355,375 IDPs in Ukraine. The number of IDPs in Georgia today is 273,411. After leaving the shelter, IDPs must deal with various obstacles. However, the health status of this vulnerable group, their access to health services and their needs have not been properly addressed in these countries. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature on the mental health outcomes, and to evaluate the access to the health services among IDPs in Georgia and Ukraine.

Methods

The study follows the principles of PRISMA extension for scoping reviews. We used following databases for searching relevant literature on mental health outcomes: PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar and PsychINFO. We additionally searched national policy documents from the ministries, local journals in Georgia and Ukraine, and a grey literature.

Results

773 results obtained from selected scientific databases were screened against exclusion criteria. We included 15 studies in final analysis, 9 examined the health status of IDPs in Georgia, and 6 in Ukraine. We found that majority of the IDPs are women and children, among whom, the largest share on mental disorders comes from women. In general, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and sleeping disorders and alcohol dependence were the most frequently examined mental health outcomes among IDPs in both countries. Included studies showed 43% less mental health service usage among alcohol users when compared to non-alcohol users in Ukraine and Georgia.

Conclusions

Despite the increased need, the study found that IDPs are facing barriers to access health care, especially mental health services are limited. This further worsens health outcomes, such as PTSD and anxiety disorders.

Key messages

IDPs in Georgia and Ukraine need better access to mental health services, such as health insurance coverage, mental health screening services and effective referral system. Primary health care providers are encouraged to provide comprehensive information to IDPs on where and how they can get health services.
Defining the commercial determinants of health after COVID-19
Authors: Glover RE , Petticrew MP
Published: October 2021

Background

Commercial Determinants of Health (CDoH) and related terms such as ‘Corporate Determinants of Health' have in recent years been applied to the tactics and strategies of corporations that may lead to morbidity and mortality due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs). But the field is at an inflection point. COVID-19 is an infectious disease, and commercial actions that increase COVID-19-related morbidity would typically fall outside CDoH definitions. We therefore felt it was timely to review and analyse the heterogeneity present in this field, and recommend a unified definition of CDoH.

Methods

We conducted a rapid literature review. We catalogued and analysed the current terms and industries in the academic literature related to CDoH. We mapped the field using a Sankey diagram, which shows the connections between pre-defined nodes. In this case, the nodes are: the terms (e.g. CDoH) and associated sectors (e.g. tobacco, alcohol, or unhealthy foods). We then analysed the definitions using a conceptual framework we developed.

Results

We screened and included 122 full text articles. Our Sankey diagram demonstrated that ‘commercial determinants of health' is superseding ‘corporate determinants of health' and all other terms as the most common terminology in this field over time. Furthermore, our conceptual framework and analysis demonstrated that the choice of definition has significance for which industries and activities fall within the scope of CDoH research.

Conclusions

Narrow definitions of CDoH pose a challenge to equity. As the field of CDoH develops, definitions - and the research that flows from them - need to more consistently consider a wider range of both NCDs and IDs, not least to avoid the existing structural inequities in research. A narrow focus on NCDs may skew policy solutions toward those which are most relevant to NCDs and higher income populations.

Key messages

Researchers in commercial determinants of health(CDoH) have previously called for clarity on the appropriate definition of CDoH in this nascent field, which we provide in our research. We used mixed analytical methods (including literature review, Sankey diagrams, and conceptual frameworks) to develop the field of CDoH research for a post-COVID-19 world.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on violence against women: an environmental study from Turkey
Authors: Taneri PE
Published: October 2021

Background

Numerous reports suggest that COVID-19 escalated domestic violence globally. Turkish Medical Association and various non-governmental organizations drew attention to the increased violence against women however there is no study in the literature which shows the changes in domestic violence by nationwide data from Turkey. This study aims to investigate the possible association between violence against women and dynamics of the pandemic.

Methods

The official website of Turkish Ministry of Health (TMH) was used to maintain the data for weekly number of deaths and new cases of COVID-19 from April 5th 2020 to April 5th 2021. Most updated and accurate reporting of new COVID-19 cases which TMH started to share after November 25th 2020 was chosen for this study. KADES is a smartphone application for women to seek emergency help in case of a domestic violence and created by Turkish Ministry of Internal Affairs in 2018. Weekly use of the terms ‘KADES' and ‘KADES indir' (tr. download KADES) in Turkey were obtained from Google Trends (April 5th 2020- April 5th 2021). Spearman correlation analysis was used to evaluate the possible associations.

Results

There were moderate-strong correlations between KADES searches and new COVID-19 cases (ρ = 0.692, p-value= 0.001) and deaths from COVID-19 (ρ = 0.521, p-value= 0.000). Strong correlations were found for the association between ‘download KADES' searches and new COVID-19 cases (ρ = 0.640, p-value= 0.003) and deaths from COVID-19 (ρ = 0.629, p-value= 0.000).

Conclusions

During pandemic, Turkish government tightened COVID-19 restrictions when there was a major incline in the outbreak curve. The results of this study suggest the possibility of increased violence against women in those times. Recently, Turkey pulled out from Istanbul Convention which is a comprehensive legal framework about violence against women. Policy makers should urgently turn back from this decision and provide the safety of the women in Turkey.

Key messages

Findings of this study suggest a possible increased help-seeking behavior regarding violence among Turkish women during COVID-19 restrictions. Urgent legislations and suitable practices are needed for preventing and combating violence against women during pandemics.
Factors associated with motivation to avoid meeting family and friends during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Goes AR , Soares P , Moniz M , Gama A , Pedro AR , Laires P , Dias S , Nunes C
Published: October 2021

Background

The widespread adherence to behaviours that prevent the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus depends on human will. There is a paucity of research on the factors that influence adherence to social distancing. Available research suggests that it varies with the specific behaviour and that reducing contact with family and friends is the hardest one. This study aims to identify factors associated with motivation to avoid meeting with family and friends during the second lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic in Portugal.

Methods

We used data from a community-based survey, “COVID-19 Barometer: Social Opinion”, which includes sociodemographics, psychosocial variables, and subjective health and wellbeing indicators from 20th February to 19th March 2021. We included 1336 participants who answered the question “To what extent is it easy for you to avoid visiting family and friends?”. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with difficulty to avoid visiting family and friends.

Results

Preliminary data shows that 38.4% (513) had difficulties avoiding meeting with family and friends. Those with greater difficulty were the ones who have less education, higher negative emotionality, do not work remotely, have more difficulties to stay home and practice physical distancing and consider the Government's measures inadequate. Contrarily, those who have less difficulty avoiding visiting friends and family are older and have low risk perception of COVID-19 infection.

Conclusions

This study suggests higher difficulty in avoiding visiting friends and family for those whose routines demand not staying at home, with low agreement with Government measures, and struggle with higher negative emotionality, confirming the personal costs of these behaviours and the importance of habits. Older people had less difficulty, suggesting that these measures may be closer to their usual routines. Interventions should consider the specificities of social interaction.

Key messages

Social distancing comes at an enormous cost to people's livelihoods and it also depends on people living circumstances. Interventions to improve adherence to social distancing should consider the specificity of social interaction and the potential dissonance created by the overall routines.
Local public health professionals contribution to infodemic management
Authors: Vital Brito D , Miranda D
Published: October 2021

The digital age we currently live in is characterized by an overwhelming production of information by multiple users. This is particularly relevant in public health areas, where inaccurate information can be a threat to populations' wellbeing. The internet became a field where anyone can produce non validated health information and spread rumors that can drive vaccine hesitancy, non compliance with public health measures and use of ineffective treatments, among other consequences highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Public health professionals must be aware of such relevant concepts, the cognitive theories that support them and the strategies that can be used to monitor, identify, prevent and tackle the spread of health misinformation. However, such an approach should involve not only public health professionals but also journalists, data scientists, social marketeers and behavioural change experts involved in different organizations. Infodemic management is a recent area of research and practice that requires a comprehensive, multidisciplinary capacity building approach focusing behavioural change theories, digital technologies and social media, and community engagement strategies among others. This presentation will provide a brief introduction on main infodemic concepts and cognitive theories, show how infodemic management can overlap common epidemic management and highlight monitoring and social listening strategies and relevant interventions to prevent and tackle misinformation.
Photovoice as a research, advocacy, and harmonization tool for refugee and local youth in Turkey
Authors: Karadag Caman O , Ceyhan DI , Sumbuloglu I , Karabey S , Ben Amor Y
Published: October 2021

Background

Turkey has millions of refugee and local youth, who share common youth health problems. As part of the REACH Project, this study aimed to assess youth's access to health information, health care, and healthy environments, in addition to their perspectives on using digital health technologies.

Methods

We used photovoice, a community based participatory research approach, and worked with 4 mixed (refugee and local) youth groups between the ages of 15 to 24 in Istanbul. Each youth group met with the research team and a professional photographer before data collection. Young people then took photos of barriers and facilitators regarding their access to health information, health care, and digital health technologies, in addition to their health problems. This was followed by focus group-like discussions, where young people discussed the photos and their meanings for them. Content analysis was used for data analysis and findings were shared with stakeholders via photo exhibits, panels, and policy briefs for advocacy purposes. The study was funded by TaiwanICDF and Columbia University.

Results

Findings showed that youth had a wide range of physical, social and mental health problems coupled with problems in accessing health information and youth-friendly services. Problems with social determinants of health were more prominent for refugees. Although youth often used the internet to access information, their experiences with digital health technologies were very limited.

Conclusions

Our study findings indicated that despite legal rights to access health care for all youth, refugee youth faced more barriers in accessing information and services. On the other hand, refugee and local youth showed similarities regarding common youth health problems and access to youth-friendly services. The photovoice approach enabled active participation and created a shared environment for refugee and local youth to discuss their mutual problems and understand each other.

Key messages

Photography is a communication tool that acts as a bridge between participants, researchers, and decision makers. Photovoice, as a participatory approach, creates a learning environment for both participants and researchers.
Using daily objects as material primes of valorisation and control in psychiatric facilities
Authors: Rehn J
Published: October 2021

As part of the built environment objects and interior design features can affect thoughts, emotions and behaviour in various ways. Referring to the concept of material and conceptual priming (Kay et al., 2004; Berger & Fitzsimons, 2008), these objects can provoke associations and by that subconsciously activate mental concepts which influence emotional states, judgements and subsequent behaviours. In many healthcare facilities, the formal-aesthetic design of the built environment visually conveys the concept of institutionalisation through clinical and sterile styles, impersonal and standardised configurations and a lack of individualisation. This applies in particular to the setting of psychiatric facilities in which from a clinical point of view sterile and impersonal aesthetics are not required and might even be detrimental to the therapeutic processes. However, there is reason to believe that the use of everyday objects can support therapeutic processes and thus be seen as an element of psychosocially supportive design (Ulrich, 1997) in two ways. Firstly, everyday objects derived from domestic contexts refer to aesthetics that are contrary to the concept of institutionalisation. Instead by communicating features of comfort and subtle luxury they might activate the mental concept of valorisation which can be seen as an important resource in therapeutic settings that strengthens commitment and trusts. Secondly, offering choice of a variety of everyday objects in psychiatric settings enables patients to exert control in a context that otherwise is characterised by total loss of control. This increased sense of control is an important part of Antonovsky's sense of coherence (1979) and a valuable asset for recovery and empowerment of psychiatric patients.
Health Service Experiences of the Foreign Origin SGMs in Finland: An Intersectional Analysis
Authors: Czimbalmos M , Nykänen S , Yüksel H , Rask S
Published: October 2021

Background

The size of the sexual and gender minority (SGM) population in Finland is estimated to be between 5 and 15 per cent of the total Finnish population. In the 2019 School Health Promotion Survey, approximately 7-8 per cent of participants who identified as belonging to sexual or gender minorities, also identified as being of foreign origin. Research on the experiences of individuals who belong to sexual and/or gender minorities and also identify as members of the foreign origin population in Finland is, however, limited.

Methods

Qualitative data on SGMs among foreign origin populations were collected by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare as a part of the Manifold More project. The data collection was implemented through a participatory approach. Semi-structured interviews (n = 40) with the members of the target population and focus group interviews (n = 8) with organizations and projects that work to support the target population were collected. The data was gathered and analyzed with an intersectional approach. Through the analysis, the experiences of sexual and gender minorities who also identify as members of the foreign origin population in Finland were explored.

Results

The preliminary results suggest that professionals of health and well-being services often lack an intersectional understanding and LGBTQI+ specific matters in their work. This often generates discriminative and detrimental situations when the target population is using health and well-being services.

Conclusions

There is a growing need for examining the health disparities among the diverse group of SGMs and incorporate an intersectional understanding to the services of health and wellbeing professionals.

Key messages

Health professionals need to pay specific attention to LGBTQI+ specific matters. It is necessary to incorporate intersectionality in health to services of health and wellbeing.