bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Translating instruments into multiple Mayan languages for a hypertension T4 study in Guatemala
Authors: Peralta A , Paniagua-Ávila A , Fort M , Gulayín P , He J , Irazola V , Mansilla K , Hernández D , Ramírez-Zea M 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Issue
Guatemala is a culturally and linguistically diverse country. Mayan languages are primarily spoken languages; few people know their written form. Health features and outcomes are difficult to assess due to the lack of validated instruments in these languages.

Description of the Problem
A cluster randomized trial to improve hypertension control is being conducted in 36 municipalities where Mayan languages are spoken in addition to Spanish. Instruments for measuring study outcomes were developed in Spanish and cross-culturally adapted into five Mayan languages following WHO's methodology. First, data were gathered on the proportion of people only fluent in a Mayan language in each district. We prioritized those Mayan languages spoken by more than 20% of the non-Spanish speaking population: Achí, K'iche', Kaqchikel, Tz'utujil and Mam. Second, forward translation to the Mayan languages was conducted by a local healthcare professional, who verbally recorded each instrument. The study team identified key words and concepts to guarantee content equivalence. Third, back-translation was conducted by two independent healthcare providers, who were blinded to the original instruments. The research team formally compared the original questionnaires with the back-translated versions to ensure they were conceptually equivalent and culturally adapted. Discrepancies were corrected as needed. Finally, local interviewers were trained on how to accurately use the written Spanish questionnaires and the Mayan language verbal recordings.

Results
By following this methodology, we achieved cross-culturally adapted instruments to improve the information-gathering process in communities where only Mayan languages are spoken.

Lessons
Having culturally adapted tools will allow researchers to reach a broader range of the target population, obtain more accurate information, and take into account participants' culture and cosmovision.

Key messages
Translating questionnaires to people’s native language allows researchers to obtain more accurate information in a standardized way and better understand participants’ culture and cosmovision. The described methodology is beneficial for conducting research in linguistically diverse countries. It promotes effective and inclusive communication among researchers and participants.
Training of the spiritual dimension of health in India – an innovative ‘thought model’ approach
Authors: Bhatt M 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
The complexities in defining Spirituality, its association with religions, and misfit in modern scientific healthcare settings are the reasons behind the neglected attitude in training of spiritual dimension of health in religiously diverse and secular India.

Objectives
To define spirituality independent from religious views and scientifically sound for modern healthcare practices in a diverse society of India. For this, a 'Thought Model' developed with spirituality as the most evolved thought in the form of humanity and human values with transcendence, connectedness, and purpose of human life, which works as a controlling, communicating, and correcting thought in the ecosystem of human thought processes. Review and testing with healthcare professionals (completed in Nov 2019), leading to few pilot projects (in progress till Sept 2020), and finally working with academia to finetune it for training curricula for health systems.

Results
The 'thought model' presented to health experts from July to October 2019. 98% [80 out of 82(N)] considered this simple, comfortable to belief systems, and practice. 96% found it helpful in solving the issues where the physician and patient or the members of the medical team are from different religions. 99% considered this model scientific and useful in responding to the spiritual needs of all, including atheists. So, we planned to start a pilot project in two selected medical institutions for medical interns with the new session; results are awaiting.

Conclusions
Review results by health experts indicated that the 'thought model' can address the complexities and ambiguities in defining spirituality on religious grounds by simplifying its definition and independent of religious beliefs for the training of the spiritual dimension of health and healthcare in diverse and secular societies makes it easy to discuss spiritual aspects of health in communities with various religions and belief systems.

Key messages
Religiosity makes spirituality complex, communal, and unscientific in religiously diverse societies leading to reluctance in public health practices and training. Simplifying spirituality as an evolved thought can change the perspective by abolishing religiosity; it becomes comfortable with belief systems and science and suitable for training and research.
Sharing place and space to promote wellbeing for old and young people in a neighbourhood
Authors: Raynes N 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The increasing number of older people in many countries is often seen as a burden. Alternatively, these numbers can be seen as a longevity dividend, providing a resource for our communities. We sought to find a way to use the resource by working with schools in a range of socio- economic neighbourhoods & explore the benefit for all stakeholders & the sustainability of such an approach. The issues we addressed are of relevance in most of Europe, despite the variations in the school systems.
Intergen is the name of the model developed over 20 years in England. 3 schools in a neighbourhood work in partnership.An older person is appointed by the school to recruit older people in the neighbourhood with the skills and knowledge the schools require to enhance the learning opportunities of their pupils.Coordinators in each school meet once a term to review progress, problems & organise a social gathering for volunteers.
All stakeholders' views of the value of the programme were collected. Key questions to be answered are: Can older people be a resource for pupils to improve performance & wellbeing in both the younger & older populations?Is the model sustainable and affordable?How can it be mainstreamed?

Results
26 schools, primary and secondary in 7 municipalities engaged in the project after 10 years development phase with 10 schools in one municipality. Schools in London and Greater Manchester areas. 15 schools remained in the programme paying for the service for 5 years. A review of the impact of the programme showed all head teachers thought it innovative, & made a difference in their pupils' wellbeing. Older people were seen as a positive resource by both teachers & pupils. Older people felt valued & part of community. Reduction of negative stereotypes occurred. Interactions went beyond the operational tasks set for the older people.
Only a public health approach can promote sustainability of the model & its benefits for communities.

Key messages
A tried and tested model sharing place and space to promote wellbeing in neighbourhoods for old and young citizens. The important role of Public Health in promoting innovative practice in silo ridden health and social care systems building the evidence base and building bridges.
The application of a new policy on recreational cannabis use in the Canadian military population
Authors: Therrien M , McCuaig Edge H 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
In October 2018, the Canadian federal government passed the Cannabis Act, making Canada the first G7 nation to legalize the possession and consumption of recreational cannabis nationwide. Given the potential health and safety implications, this makes it a pivotal time for both policy makers and researchers to understand the effects of cannabis use and the implications in the workplace. In response to legalization, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) was one of the first major organizations to create a policy specifically targeting cannabis use for its military personnel, with directives outlining expectations for standards of conduct, and general and specific prohibitions relating to the possession and consumption of cannabis products. An important part of understanding the potential impact of cannabis use in the Canadian military and the suitability of the current policy is to first determine the proportion of CAF members that have consumed cannabis since its legalization. The first available data on this comes from the Recruit Health Questionnaire, a health and lifestyle survey completed by military recruits early in their basic training. 1,219 recruits completed the survey between October 2019 (exactly one year post-legalization) and February 2020 (88% response rate). Preliminary results suggest that one-third (34%) of recruits reported having consumed cannabis during the 12 months prior to starting basic training, and since the Cannabis Act came into effect. The vast majority (95%) of this group reported having consumed cannabis on more than one occasion. Given these large proportions, it is imperative that we continue to study the medical, behavioural, and cognitive effects of cannabis to understand if the current guidelines set out in the CAF policy on recreational cannabis use are adequate. Constant monitoring and, as necessary, updates to the policy, are essential to continue ensuring the safety of CAF members and the public, and an operationally ready force.

Key messages
Preliminary results suggest that one-third of Canadian Armed Forces recruits have consumed cannabis since its legalization, with 95% of this group having consumed it on more than one occasion. Given the potential health and safety implications, the Canadian Armed Forces policy on cannabis consumption must be constantly monitored and updated to ensure a safe and operationally ready force.
Suicides in Belgrade, Serbia in the period 2009-2018
Authors: Miltenovic S , Vujetic M 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Suicides fall in violent deaths and more recently have shown an increasing trend in developed and developing countries. This is a major public health problem that could and should be prevented. Unfortunately, it is among the top twenty leading causes of death worldwide. This public health problem exists in Belgrade and Serbia, as well.

Methods
An analysis of death certificates shows an insight into the causes of death of inhabitants of Belgrade. The paper presents data from the Database of deceased persons in Belgrade, for the period 2009- 2018. Data are analyzed using frequencies and incidence rates by sex, age groups, month of death, day of death, and municipality of residence of deceased.

Results
In Belgrade, from 2009 to 2018 the incidence rate of suicides is decreasing. The standardized suicide rate was highest in 2009 (12/100.000). Men often committed suicides at all observed years, and the rates are usually higher as in women. The highest number of suicides occur in April, July and June and observing days within a week Wednesday and Tuesday lead. The average age of men who committed suicide was 57 years and women 59.5 years. The most common method of carrying out the suicide was 'by hanging, strangulation and suffocation' (X70 according to ICD-10) and frequency was 45.2%.

Conclusions
The incidence rate of suicides at Belgrade territory shows the trend of decline in the observed period, between 2009 and 2018. Besides that, other attributes indicate that age-sex-manner of suicides could be changed, as for being targeted for prevention. Preventing suicides is a new challenge for public health and all public sectors have to be involved in prevention. Considering ageing of a population, migration and other negative demographic trends in Belgrade and Serbia, it is necessary to raise our competencies in inhibition of these unfortunate events.

Key messages
Preventing suicides is a challenge for public health. It is necessary to raise competencies in order to prevent suicides.
International survey: real-world pain management strategies
Authors: Hagen M , Georgescu A 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Pain is a nearly universal experience, but little is known about how people treat pain. This international survey assessed real-world pain management strategies.

Methods
From 13-31 January, 2020, an online survey funded by GSK Consumer Healthcare was conducted in local languages in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Mexico, Poland, Russia, Spain, Sweden, UK, and USA. Adults were recruited from online panels of people who agreed to participate in surveys. Quotas ensured nationally representative online populations based on age, gender, and region.

Results
Of 19,000 people (1000/country) who completed the survey, 18,602 (98%) had ever experienced physical pain; 76% said they would like to control their pain better. Presented with 17 pain-management strategies and asked to select the ones they use in the order of use, respondents chose an average of 4 strategies each. The most commonly selected strategies were pain medication (65%), rest/sleep (54%), consult a doctor (31%), physical therapy (31%), and nonpharmacologic action (eg, heat/cold application; 29%). Of those who use pain medication, 56% take some other action first. Only 36% of those who treat pain do so immediately; 56% first wait to see if it will resolve spontaneously. Top reasons for waiting include a desire to avoid medication (37%); willingness to tolerate less severe pain (33%); concerns about side effects (21%) or dependency (21%); and wanting to avoid a doctor's visit unless pain is severe or persistent (21%). Nearly half (42%) of those who take action to control pain have visited ≥1 healthcare professional (doctor 31%; pharmacist 18%; other 17%) about pain.

Conclusions
This large global survey shows that people employ a range of strategies to manage pain but still wish for better pain control. Although pain medication is the most commonly used strategy, many people postpone or avoid its use.

Key messages
More than three-quarters (76%) of respondents across countries seek better pain control. Pain medication and rest/sleep consultation are the most common pain management strategies. More than half of respondents (56%) wait to see if pain will resolve spontaneously before taking any action, and 56% of those who use pain medication try some other approach first.
Networks and social support and its relationship with functional limitation in Chilean older adults
Authors: de Albuquerque Araújo L , Icaza Noguera G , Albala Brevis C 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Social relationships are multifaceted and can act in many ways on physical and emotional well-being. We aim to study whether social networks and support are associated with functional limitations in Chilean older adults.
Cross-sectional study with baseline of two cohort studies: the SABE cohort (born before 1940) and the Alexandros cohort (born between 1940 and 1948 from Primary Health Care centers), from Santiago. Were considered 1733 elderly. Performance variables were studied in 7 Instrumental Activity of Daily Living (IADL): preparing food, managing money, leaving home alone, making purchases, making calls, doing light housework, organizing and taking medications, and 6 basic Activities of Daily Living (ADL): bathing, dressing, use of the bathroom, transfer, continence of urine and feeding. Having difficulties or inability to perform at least 1 activity was classified with having functional limitations (FL). Social network variables were: housing arrangement and marital status; social support variable was perception of material support, company or advice. Adjustment variables were: sex, age, education, income, depression, cognitive impairment, multimorbidity. Robust Poisson Regression was performed, prevalence ratios (PR) of FL were reported (α ≤ 0.5). Living accompanied (PR 0.96; 95% CI 0.88-1.03) and being married or live as a couple (PR 0.99; 95% CI 0.85-1.6) were not significantly related to functional limitation in IADL, similar in relation to living accompanied and performance in ADL (PR 0.96; 95% CI 0.88-1.03). Married or living couples have a lower prevalence of FL in ADL (PR 0.86; 95% CI 0.81-0.92). Having material support, company or advice was associated with a higher prevalence of FL in ADL (PR 1.84; 95% CI 1.11-3.06) and in IADL (PR 2.48; 95% CI 1, 64-3.74). Being married or living as a couple in old age is a protective factor for functional limitation while having a positive perception of material support, company or advice showed to be a risk factor.

Key messages
Single, widowed or separated Chilean older adults are at greater risk of functional limitation, regardless of sociodemographic and health characteristics. The findings of this study should be confirmed with prospective design studies since the transversal design does not clarify the temporality of the relationship.
Psychometric validation of the revised child injury scale (Cries-13) in Greek population
Authors: Kallianezos P , Bakola M , Kitsou K S , Petropoulos C , Sinopidis X , Jelastopulu E 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Children and adolescents have an increased risk of post-traumatic stress following exposure to traumatic events. Thus, timely, valid and reliable assessment of the symptoms of the disorder is crucial. The purpose of the study was the psychometric validation of The Child Revised Impact of Events Scale (CRIES 13), following the preceding linguistic validation. Further goal was to evaluate post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children 6 to 14 years of age with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).

Methods
The questionnaire was consecutively administered to 175 parents coming to the Emergency Department of the Pediatric Hospital of Patras, after mTBI of their children. They were asked to respond one week and one month after the accident to assess PTSD of their children. For psychometric validation, exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory (CFA) factor analysis was performed. The questionnaire consists of 13 items rated on a non-linear scale ranging from 0 to 65, and higher scores indicate more PTSD symptoms with a threshold of 30.

Results
The Psychometric validation showed very good reliability (= 0.79) and EFA confirmed the factor structure of the original tool. In addition, CFA showed satisfactory fit for the three-factor model. Parents estimated post-traumatic stress one week after injury in 19% of the children. Statistically significant difference was observed only in monthly income, with parents of low income reporting higher levels of stress in their children (p = 0.046).

Conclusions
A reliable and valid questionnaire is now available in Greek for assessing the risk of PTSD in children. In one of five children presented in our hospital we observed a higher risk of developing post-traumatic stress one week after mild traumatic brain injury.

Key messages
There is reliable and valid questionnaire in Greek for assessing the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder in children.
Care strategy for people in situations of violence low cost and high resolution
Authors: Dacal C S , Batista S H S S , Dias S E , Stoever I , Soares R S 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Following the guidelines of the World Health Organization, Brazil considers violence to be a public health problem, transversal to the care processes. Notifications are carried out using specific instruments and monitored by the health surveillance sector for non-communicable diseases and conditions. The implementation of Violence Prevention Centers (NPV) in all health services in the city of São Paulo - Brazil was established, composed of professionals from the service itself, which aims to develop actions to care for this population and provide technical support to team professionals, at different levels of care. Difficulty of professionals in dealing with situations was observed, resulting in wrong referrals. The need was identified to establish a training space for professionals in order to improve care and mitigate situations of violence, which would not impact the service agenda and at low costs.

Methods
One meeting per month with NPV members in the region. The situational diagnosis was raised with the workers through conversation circles, a thematic schedule was developed with Active Methodology and exemplified with a previously chosen case.

Results
Frequency of all health services, increase in the completion, specific instruments, correct targeting of victims, establishment of dynamic flows between services and identification of emotional difficulties in dealing with situations.

Conclusions
the results corroborate the findings that place spaces of exchange between professionals as fundamental in the process of caring for people in situations of violence, being a technology accessible to services, not only for carrying out Permanent education, but also as a care strategy for workers. This experience has potential for implementation in other contexts, notably those that, as in the Brazilian reality, still struggle in the face of great social, economic and gender inequalities.

Key messages
Between professionals as fundamental in the process of caring for people in situations of violence, being a technology accessible to service.
Capacity building in the public health field in the Tunisian medical faculties
Authors: Coman M , Oltean O , Palianopoulou M , Plancikova D , Zedini C , Cheikhrouhou F , Kallel K , Zrig A , Chereches R M , Bozdog M E 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Over the past years, Tunisia has experienced important reforms in the field of public health. The Tunisian medical faculties (Universities of Sfax, Tunis el Manar, Sousse and Monastir) play a key role in this endeavor by training public health professionals who can contribute to the modernization of the health system. Funded by the EC through Erasmus+ programme, the CONFIDE project (coordinated by Babes-Bolyai University, having as EU partners the Universities of Southern Denmark and Trnava, and the above mentioned Tunisian universities) has established the Research into Policy training programme by strengthening their capacity to provide public health training.
The Research into Policy training programme has been delivered by the Centres for Evidence into Health Policy (C4EHPs) established within the Tunisian partner universities for the needs of CONFIDE. The training programme was implemented in four steps: (1) train the trainer sessions - the European experts trained 18 Tunisian trainers; (2) shadowing sessions - the trainers participated in shadowing sessions in the European partner institutions; (3) training delivery - the CONFIDE trainers, assisted by the European experts, delivered the training to an interdisciplinary group of 25 students and professionals; (4) internships - the students participated in internships in local health institutions. Three modules have been built within the Research into Policy training programme: Public health research, Health promotion policies and Evidence based public health policy. They contributed to increasing the public health knowledge and skills of the professionals trained.
The training programme was well received by the Tunisian universities and the material developed so far during the project was adapted to the Tunisian context in the third step of implementation. On the long term, the project is expected to have an impact at the national level and produce updates at curricula level in the Tunisian medical faculties.

Key messages
Research into Policy training programme developed by the EC partners and culturally adapted by the Tunisian partners to the Tunisian public health context. Research into Policy training is a well-received tool for the high quality learning process in the public health field in Tunisian medical faculties.