bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Open Comparisons in Public Health Not Only a Report But Also a Practical Tool Package
Authors: Skoog Garas E , Makenzius M , Lundborg H , Forslund M , Lindqvist N 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Sweden is a high-income country with about 10 million people 2018. The public health policy has a clear focus on equitable health throughout the population, and a goal to reduce avoidable health inequalities within a generation. The 21 regions and 290 municipalities in Sweden are political self-government and important as most of the welfare services that impact citizens’ lifelong health fall under their remit, for example; healthcare, childcare, education, social service, elderly care and support to people with disabilities, some emergency services, environmental issues urban planning. Therefore, the municipalities and regions need reliable data that can be compared.
Such data is available in the report Open Comparisons in Public Health (OCPH). The OPCH 2019 demonstrate large inequities in determinants of health and in health outcomes between municipalities in Sweden. Further work is needed to reduce these unjust and avoidable differences. The OPCH 2019 is not only a report, but rather a concept with additional practical tools to be used by local and regional public health officers, leaders and politicians. Following tools, developed in collaboration with stakeholders, are available in the concept OPCH.
OPCH 2019: various managementresearch review, result comparisons, suggested improvement areas
Factsheet: for leaders and politicians at policy level
Municipality reports: tailored for public health officers to save time
Socioeconomic compass: a tool to analyze differences in socioeconomics across municipalities
Kolada: the Swedish database for municipal benchmarking
Toolbox: tools to facilitate systematic interpretation and analysis
The National Public Health Agency: various statistics are available for additional analyses

Key messages
The OPCH and the tools contributes to initiate local/regional development, improvement, monitoring and analysis concerning the quality and efficiency of the services delivered by these organisations. Governmental policies are important structural links16, but according to the OCPH 2019 the reduction of health disparities also requires measures in each local community.
Preventing accidents in the offshore Oil and Gas industry: An interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Lamnisos D , Michail M , Stasinopoulos D , Giannakou K 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Oil and Gas industry suffers from high accident rates because of the dangerous working conditions. Eastern Mediterranean countries have an immature Oil and Gas industry and therefore it is crucial for preventing accidents in this early stage to implement internationally proven successful policies. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the accident prevention policies implemented by Norwegian government in 2001 were effective in reducing accident rates in the offshore Oil and Gas industry.

Methods
Data on the number of accidents, dates and type of facility (fixed or movable) for the years 1999-2006 were obtained from the Norwegian Petroleum Safety Authority (PSA). The effectiveness of the policy to reduce accident rates was estimated in interrupted time series analysis with post-intervention period the 1st of January 2001. Poisson regression was used to model the number of accident per months.

Results
The dataset had 96 months with a median number of accidents per month 6.5 (IQR: 4-10) for fixed facilities and 5.0 (IQR: 3-9) for movable facilities. The analysis suggested that there was a reduction in accident rates for fixed and movable facilities. Following the policy, there was a reduction in accidents of 45% for fixed facilities (rate ratio (RR) 0.55; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.47-0.64), while for movable facilities there was a decrease of 67% (RR 0.33; 95% CI 0.28-0.39).

Conclusions
The policies implemented by Norwegian government in 2001 were effective in reducing the accident rates for fixed and movable facilities. The immature Oil and Gas industry of the Eastern Mediterranean countries will be benefited from studying and adopting some of the policies implemented by Norwegian government.

Key messages
Norwegian policies for accident prevention in the offshore Oil and Gas industry were successful. Oil and Gas industry of Eastern Mediterranean countries should adopt proven successful policies to prevent accidents.
Roma populations and health inequalities: a systematic review of multiple intersecting determinants
Authors: Orton L , Anderson de Cuevas R M 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Roma populations experience significantly poorer health than majority populations. Health outcomes are often worse than for others in similar social positions, suggesting differences are not simply the effect of poverty. Roma women are thought to be worst affected. However, data pertaining to the multiple social inequalities affecting Roma populations, their interaction and cumulative effect on health over time, have yet to be synthesised.

Methods
We searched four bibliographic databases (MEDLINE, Science Citation Index, Social Sciences Citation Index and Scopus), screened reference lists, consulted key informants and searched organisational websites for studies providing empirical evidence on more than one determinant of health for Roma populations in Europe. Two reviewers carried out screening, data extraction, quality appraisal and performed a narrative synthesis.

Results
From 2,043 bibliographic records, 37 studies met our inclusion criteria. The median number of influencing factors explored through qualitative and quantitative methodologies was 2 (range 1 - 5) and 3 (range 1 - 11), respectively. Quantitative studies focussed on poverty (10 studies) and other indicators of socio-economic status including education (13 studies), housing (9 studies) and employment (9 studies). Very few studies unpicked interactive effects instead testing each factor’s contribution to poor health independently. Qualitative studies tended to explore “Roma culture” (11 studies) and the impact of discrimination/racism on health behaviour (10 studies). There is a lack of gender-disaggregated data and little analysis of the impact of social policy on the health of Roma populations.

Conclusions
Evidence for associations between determinants and health outcomes among European Roma populations is patchy. Research needs to pay more attention to the health impact of social policies that have the potential to reinforce (as well as mitigate) the exclusion of Roma populations.

Key messages
This systematic review critically analyses the state and shape of research evidence on the multiple interacting axes of inequality that contribute to poor health among Europe’s Roma populations. There is a divergence between qualitative and quantitative studies, with the former providing some evidence on socio-economic status and the latter exploring aspects of culture and discrimination.
A comparison of stakeholder networks across two pricing policy debates using discourse analysis
Authors: Hilton S , Buckton C , Fergie G , Henrichsen T , Leifeld P 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Public health policy development is subject to a large number of stakeholders seeking to influence government thinking on policy options. One approach is via the news media. We compare the competing discourse coalitions evident in the UK public debate across two pricing policies, Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) for alcohol and the Soft Drinks Industry Levy (SDIL).

Methods
Existing discourse network analyses (DNA) for MUP and SDIL were harmonised in Visone to allow direct comparison. We applied a common tie-weight threshold to reduce ties to robust argumentative similarities and to maximise the identification of both network structures. We used network measures (size, density and EI index) to compare the two networks and principal coalitions.

Results
Both networks involve a similar range of stakeholder types and form two discourse coalitions representing proponents and opponents of the policies. The SDIL network is larger, particularly the proponents coalition with over three times as many nodes and a lower EI index. Both networks show tight discourse coalitions of manufactures and commercial analysts acting in opposition to policy supporters. The only actors that appear in both debates are politicians, government advisors, commercial analysts and supermarkets. While public health actors appear in both debates they appear siloed in their interests.

Conclusions
DNA enabled direct comparison of the discourse coalitions across two highly contested pricing policy debates, visualising the complex network of actors and relationships operating to influence policy-making via the media. Use of comparative DNA across policy debates shows promise for better understanding the common tactics of different unhealthy commodity industries (UCIs) to disrupt public health policies. Public health actors could improve their response to UCIs by seeking to work across policy and commodity arenas.

Key messages
We compared the competing discourse coalitions across two pricing policy debates, MUP and SDIL. Public health advocates could improve their response by working across policy arenas.
Are Cypriot community pharmacists ready to offer hypertension screening interventions? A pilot study
Authors: Alexandrou R , Petrou C , Peletidi A 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in Europe. One of the most essential CVD risk factors is uncontrolled hypertension (HP), thus the management of HP can lead to lower CVD risk. Pharmacists (PHS) can actively contribute to various public health functions such as prevention and early detection of individuals with increased blood pressure (BP). This study aimed to assess the feasibility of a pharmacy-led HP screening programme in Cyprus.

Methods
The study was conducted in one community pharmacy in Nicosia. The sample (n = 87) was randomly selected. Inclusion criteria were adults, without any CVD, diabetes or hypercholesterolemia in addition to pregnant women. BP measurements of the participants (PS) were taken. PS whose BP reading was high-normal were advised to measure their BP regularly, those whose BP reading was 140-159/90-99 mmHg were offered a home BP monitoring (HBPM) to confirm the diagnosis of HP and those whose BP reading was higher than 160/100 mmHg were referred to a cardiologist.

Results
68 PS (78%) had normal BP, 14 PS (16%) were detected with high normal BP while 5 (6%) were identified with a BP reading higher than 140/90mmHg. 2 PS were diagnosed with HP grade 2 after PHS’s referral to a cardiologist while 2 PS were diagnosed with HP grade 1 after the HBPM. An estimation of a CVD risk conducted indicated that 84% (n = 73) of the sample appeared to have no risk at all, 12% (n = 10) had low risk, 3% (n = 3) had a moderate risk and 2% (n = 1) showed moderate to high risk.

Conclusions
The fact that 4 PS were diagnosed with HP and 14 more were given lifestyle advice can indicate Cypriot PHS’ potential contribution to the prevention and early diagnosis of HP. As the sample was small and the results may not be generalised, similar programmes should be conducted with a higher number of PHS and PS in different cities in Cyprus to identify replication of the results.

Key messages
Cypriot pharmacists have the potential to screen individuals with high blood pressure. Pharmacists’ intervention can lead to early diagnosis of hypertension.
Caregivers of non-dependent old person: perceived loneliness is associated with poor health status
Authors: Arlotto S , Gentile S , Durand A C , Bonin Guillaume S 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Objectives
Informal care has poor effects on caregivers’ health status. Several studies targeted informal caregivers of dependent or severely ill old persons. But, few of them analysed non-dependent old persons caregivers and their perceived loneliness. We hypothesized that perceived loneliness is an independent factor that worsen the caregiver burden and perceived health status. The aim of this study is to analyze factors associated to the perceived loneliness of caregivers of the non-dependent old persons.

Methods
A Cross-sectional study has been conducted among 876 dyads. Old persons over 70 years of age, non-dependent, living at home and their caregiver eligible for social support by retirement and occupational health insurance in South-east of France were included. Caregivers were assessed by the Mini-Zarit Scale for the burden, and with 5-point -Likert scales for loneliness and perceived health status. A multivariate logistic regression model was performed to analyze explanatory variables related to loneliness.

Results
Characteristics of the caregivers were: 64.5% female, 29% spouse, 61% children; 64% with frailty and 38% with high burden, 10.5% of them felt often or always lonely. Loneliness was positively associated to (OR; CI 95%): caregiver’s poor health status (3.40; 1.60-7.23), burden (4.06; 1.99-8.27), sleep disorders (3.75; 1.85-7.60), anxiety (6.64; 3.23-13.65) and a bad relationship with the old persons (2.17; 1.11-4.25). Loneliness was negatively associated to a good family support (0.33; 0.17-0.63) and living alone (0.34; 0.16-0.76).

Discussion
Loneliness should be differentiated from social isolation. Caregivers loneliness is not very frequent but highly correlated to a poor health status perception. Thus, it is essential that health care providers assess for caregivers’ perceived loneliness to implement specifics supporting actions to improve health status.

Key messages
Caregivers loneliness is not very frequent but highly correlated to a poor health status perception. It is essential that health care providers assess for caregivers’ perceived loneliness to implement specifics supporting actions to improve health status.
Convergence in disability policies in the welfare states Denmark, Sweden, the UK and Australia?
Authors: Jensen N K , McAllister A , Wadiwel D , Elliot A , Hwang G 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
A state’s relation to citizens who are not able to support themselves due to illness is one of the cornerstones of welfare states. However, rising numbers of people on disability benefits is a challenge in many welfare states. The first aim is to investigate how policies around eligibility to disability benefits articulate a concept of ’incapacity to work’ across social democratic (Denmark and Sweden) and liberal welfare states (Australia and the UK). Secondly, we wish to explore how the conceptualisation of capacity and incapacity to work shapes prevailing constructions of disability.

Methods
In this study, we analyse official policy documents from governments, legislation, scientific and grey literature on disability benefit reforms in the selected countries. The analytical framework introduces the notion of decommodification of labour for people with disability and the ’social model of disability’ in relation to the constructions of disability in current disability benefit reforms.

Results (preliminary)
Restricting access to disability benefits has been a key feature of the recent reforms across all different types of welfare states. Liberal welfare states are more pervasive in reassessment of previously granted benefits compared to social democratic welfare states. The construction of disability in recent reforms is at odds with the social model of disability.
Conclusions (preliminary)
Across both liberal and social democratic welfare states eligibility for disability benefits is articulated around notions of incapacity to work. Retrenchment of benefits is, overall, most pervasive in liberal welfare states.

Key messages
The convergence in social policies across both social democratic and liberal welfare states speaks to the pervasiveness of neo-liberal notions in current social policy. The tightening of eligibility criteria for disability benefits poses great financial and health risks to people with illness struggling to support themselves.
The Portuguese HIV/AIDS Programme under austerity
Authors: Figueiredo Augusto G , Aldir I , Bettencourt J , Dias S , Abrantes A , Oliveira Martins M 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
The HIV/AIDS Programme has been a core health programme in Portugal leading the country’s response to the HIV epidemics since the 1980s. In 2011, the severe financial and economical context forced the government to reorganize central services, including the Ministry of Health, aiming to improve efficiency and reduce costs. All vertical programmes were reformed, including the HIV/AIDS Programme.

Methods
For the period 2009-2018, we analyse the outcomes of core HIV prevention programmes managed by the National Programme for HIV/AIDS Infection: the syringe exchange programme, HIV testing, the distribution of preventive materials, and financial support to private non-for-profit organisations.

Results
This paper describes the main features of that reform and analyses selected outcomes, as well as how those financial constraints affected the response to HIV/AIDS. Despite some transitory cuts in spending, the National Programme for HIV/AIDS Infection was able to successfully expand testing and prevention interventions. Strategic partnerships with non-governmental and community-based organisations were crucial to continue delivering adequate HIV testing services and reaching most-at-risk groups.

Conclusions
The main goals of the National Programme for HIV/AIDS Infection for the term 2012-2016 were reached, including the decrease of new HIV infections, new AIDS cases and AIDS-related deaths, and the country is in a good position to meet UNAIDS’s 90-90-90 targets by 2020. Scaling-up access to pre-exposure prophylaxis, improving access and adherence to antiretroviral therapy, and continuously promoting access to HIV testing services and HIV self-testing stand as the main challenges of the National Programme for HIV/AIDS Infection in the near future.

Key messages
Prioritise spending under financial constrains can be cost-effective. Besides transitory cuts, HIV programme was able to meet its goals.
Transformative governance for public health: A scoping review
Authors: Schreurs F , Bekker M P M , Helderman J K , Jansen M , Ruwaard D 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
As coordination issues arise in an increasingly complex health domain with a growing number of stakeholders involved in health initiatives, WHO proposed a transformation towards a Whole of Society approach. However, this abstract approach lacks practical guidelines to tackle these issues. In domains such as the environmental policy sector, similar transformations were established by applying governance strategies. This study aims to answer, which conditions and arrangements are found in the governance literature for the coordination and evaluation of the transformation of health towards a Whole of Society approach?

Methods
A systematic search was conducted by combining ’governance’, with adjectives as ’collaborative’, ’adaptive’, ’experimentalist’ and ’reflexive’ in order to target relevant governance theories in JStor, Web of Science, EBSCO and Google Scholar. Based on inclusion criteria two reviewers independently selected articles following PRISMA.

Results
Analysis of 56 articles showed that transformation should be coordinated by stimulating favourable conditions such as learning and experimenting in networks that cut across traditional boundaries. These conditions and methods can be divided into three categories. First, establish collaborations with government as equal partner by making the inclusion and decision-making process open and transparent. Second, stimulating innovation by engaging local initiatives, and supporting learning, experimentation, reflection and adaptation. Third, ensuring the sustainability of innovation by enabling institutional change.

Conclusions
To coordinate and evaluate the transformation of health towards a Whole of Society approach, conditions may consist of a combination of collaboration, innovation and institutional change.

Key messages
To bring together the fragmented resources for public health, we present emerging conditions for the coordination of a Whole of Society approach as transformative governance strategy. The transformative capacity of governance can be found in the combination of the theories as adjectives: collaborative, adaptive, experimentalist and reflexive.
Knowledge, Attitudes and Beliefs towards Electronic Cigarettes among University Students in Austria
Authors: Paudyal P , Movia M 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
The popularity of e-cigarette is increasing recently, both as an alternative nicotine delivery tool or smoking cessation aid. Austria is a country with a high smoking prevalence; 28% of the population are current smoker and 21% have tried e-cigarettes at least once. In this current context, it is important to understand the opinion regarding e-cigarettes.

Methods
This cross-sectional survey examined the use, knowledge, attitudes and beliefs towards e-cigarettes among undergraduate students from Carinthia University of Applied Sciences in Austria. The anonymous questionnaire was handed out in 29 classrooms during compulsory lecturers, and completed questionnaire was returned to a provided box in the front of the classroom. Descriptive summary statistics was used to summarize the results using SPSS 24. Statistical significance was considered at p &lt; 0.05.

Results
A total of 528 students were approached and all returned the questionnaire giving a 100% completion rate. 83.7% were female and half (50.2%) were in the age group 20 and 24. 96.6% of students reported being aware of e-cigarettes and 32.4% mentioned trying e-cigarettes at least once. 71.2% reported of ever smoking tobacco. 53.8% disagreed that e-cigarettes are an effective way for smoking cessation and only 10.3% agreed recommending it to a friend or family for smoking cessation. 78.1% believed that e-cigarettes are harmful to the health of those who use them and 58.2% disagreed that the use of e-cigarettes should be prohibited on University Campus premises.

Conclusions
To our knowledge, this study is the first of its kind performed in Austria. Our study shows that self-reported ever use of e-cigarettes is 1.5 times higher among this population than among the general population in Austria. Majority of participants disagreed that e-cigarettes are an effective way for smoking cessation. There seems a gap in knowledge regarding the e-cigarette which needs to be addressed among the university students.

Key messages
In Austria, e-cigarettes use is 1.5 times higher among university students compared to the general population. Knowledge gap regarding e-cigarettes needs to be addressed among the university students.