bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the links between awareness about MI and behavior related to vaccination
Authors: Jasiukaitienė V , Stankutė I , Miščikienė L 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Backgrounds
In Lithuania, the morbidity rate of meningococcal infection (MI) is one of the highest in the European Union. In year 2017 - 81 MI cases were reported (2.9 cases / 100 thousand inhabitants). The aim of the study - to assess the links between awareness of parents of pre-school children about meningococcal infection and behavior related to vaccination.

Methods
Anonymous questionnaire survey was carried out in pre-school educational institutions of Kaunas city in 2019. 165 questionnaires were presented to parents (response rate 91.52%). Associations between categorical variables were measured using Chi square test. A statistically significant difference was defined when p &lt; 0.05. Z criterion was used for evaluating hypothesis of variable dependence.

Results
55.0% of respondents know that MI is caused by bacteria and it is spread by air (84.8%). 40.1% of parents indicated that they have vaccinated their children or are planning to do so. 38.0% of respondents chose not to have their children vaccinated and did not plan vaccination in the future. Answers of parents, who have vaccinated or are planning vaccination of their children, showed a statistically significant increase of awareness of the risk of MI spreading by air (44.4% and 0.0%, p &lt; 0.05) and that in order to avoid the risk of MI (42.3% and 0.0%, p &lt; 0.05) children need to be vaccinated following recommended vaccination plan (53.4% and 25.0%, p &lt; 0.05), as well that in Lithuania MI vaccine has been included in the recommended vaccination plan in 2018 (43.7% and 12.5%, p &lt; 0.05).

Conclusions
More than half of the respondents know the pathogen of the MI, the way of it spreading, but less than half of them have vaccinated or are planning to vaccinate their children. Links have been identified between the vaccination of children and awareness of the ways of MI spreading and prevention of it.

Key messages
The behavior of parents with better awareness is related to decision of vaccination. Parents with better awareness have vaccinated or are planning to vaccinate their children from MI.
Risk factors of healthcare associated infections: prevalence surveys over five years
Authors: Ghali H , Ben Cheikh A , Bhiri S , Khefacha Aissa S , Dhidah L , Ben Rejeb M , Said Latiri H 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Healthcare associated infection (HAI) is alarmingly increasing in low income settings. In Tunisia, the burden of HAI is still not well described. We aimed to analyze risk factors independently associated with HAIs in hospitalized patients in Sahloul Hospital for the last five years.

Methods
We conduct every year a prevalence survey, as part of the program for the prevention and control of HAI at Sahloul Hospital. It is a cross-sectional study of one-day prevalence with a single pathway. All departments were included in the survey, except emergency and hemodialysis services due to their very short length of stay. Data collection was carried out using NosoTun plug (national HAI prevalence survey). Logistic regression was performed to identify independent risk factors of mortality among infected patients with p value less than .05.

Results
Over five years, prevalence of HAI ranged from 11.4% in 2014 to 7.1% in 2018. In 2014, independent risk factors of HAIs were the use of peripheral venous catheter, central venous catheter, and undergoing a surgery. Intensive care units and surgical departments were independently associated with the occurrence of HAIs. In 2015 and 2016, in addition to the factors already mentioned, antibiotic therapies for the last six months as well as parenteral feeding were also found as independent risk factors. In both 2017 and 2018, intrinsic factors were found in multivariate analysis; in fact diabetes as underlying disease was independently associated with HAIs.

Conclusions
Identifying risk factors that contribute to develop HAIs may support the implementation of strategies for their prevention, therefore maximizing patient safety.

Key messages
Identifying risk factors for HAIs may improve patient safety. Insertion of medical devices was the main risk factor for patients over the five years.
Influenza vaccination campaigns targeted at healthcare workers:results of four hospitals in Rome
Authors: Tognetto A , Abbondanzieri A , Cerone G , Di Pumpo M , Nardi A , Paglione L , Franco E , La Torre G , Orsi G B , Laurenti P 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) of health care workers (HCWs) is well recognized as a public health measure that can protect both HCWs from infection and patients from the risk of influenza complications. Nevertheless, vaccination coverage rates among this specific population result generally lower than the recommended target. With our study, we aimed to describe the activities and the outcomes of four different SIV campaigns targeted at HCWs and organized during the season 2018/2019 in four hospitals in Rome.

Methods
A cross-sectional study involving four teaching hospitals was performed. The collected data were synthetized into a set of descriptors and indicators, validated through a previous study that had involved the same Centers.

Results
The Medical Directorates, in collaboration with the University Hygiene and Public Health Units of the four hospitals organized different strategies: Hospital 1, 3 and 4 realized educational courses for HCWs and actively promoted the campaigns through e-mail invitations to all HCWs. As for the access to vaccination, all the hospitals provided a dedicated unit for SIV; Hospital 1 and Hospital 4 organized also on-site vaccination sessions in the hospital wards, that required a large number of staff. The vaccination coverage rates resulted: 22.37% in Hospital 1, 18.10% in Hospital 4, 9.28% in Hospital 2 and 8,51% in Hospital 3.

Conclusions
Our results demonstrate that multi-activity campaigns, involving education, promotion and easy access to vaccination constitute an effective approach to reinforce the value of SIV. Our findings suggest that on-site vaccination may play a key role in determining a higher vaccination coverage.

Key messages
Multi-activity vaccination campaigns, involving education, promotion and easy access to vaccination constitute an effective approach to reinforce the value of seasonal influenza vaccination for HCWs. On-site vaccination may play a key role in determining a higher vaccination coverage.
The Knowledge on antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance among Polish medical students
Authors: Sobierajski T , Wanke-Rytt M , Mazińska B , Karpierz K , Hryniewicz W 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the biggest threats to public health worldwide, compromising ability to treat infections. Medical students as a future doctors will have an important role to play in preventing the spread of antibiotic resistance. The aim of this study was to analyse the knowledge and attitudes of Polish medical students towards antibiotics and AMR.

Methods
A questionnaire containing 24 questions, on medical students’ knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of antibiotic prescribing and antibiotic resistance was developed. The survey was conducted in May-June 2018 among medical students of Medical University of Warsaw at various years of their studies.

Results
The study group consisted of 291 students (70% women, 30% men). Forty six of the students had used antibiotics within the previous 12 months. The prevailing reasons for taking an antibiotic were: pharyngitis (25%), bronchitis (12,8%), sore throat (12%), cough (8.3%), pneumonia (7.9%), urinary tract infection (7.6%), cold (6.6%). Ninety-two percent of the respondents considered AMR to be a significant problem, and 7.9% stated it will become in the future. Four percent of respondents believed that antibiotics are effective in treating common cold. The majority of students (83.5%) expressed the opinion that doctors often prescribe an antibiotic without need. Most respondents think that too frequent prescription and low awareness of the consequences of their overuse have an impact on the rise and spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria. The vast majority of respondents (80%) declared that university studies enabled the gaining of a wider knowledge about the use of antibiotics. The vast majority of respondents (92.4%) indicated a willingness to extend their knowledge on antibiotic use.

Conclusions
Medical students are aware that AMR is a growing problem resulting in diminishing treatment options. The results of the study should be taken into future education programs.

Key messages
Medical students have a good understanding of the health risk of AMR but consider antibiotics for viral infections. More training on rationale antibiotic use included in the curriculum is warranted.
Prevalence of measles IgG antibodies among immigrant workers in South Korea
Authors: Kim Y M , Kim B G , Hong Y S 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
After the national vaccination for measles was introduced in 1985, the measles has been controlled in South Korea despite the epidemic in 2000-2001. Current cases in Korea were assumed to be transmitted from outside the country. Because the dynamics and social changes of the population has emerged as important factors in the measles epidemic, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of measles IgG antibodies among immigrant workers.

Methods
The cross sectional seroprevalence survey was conducted in Gyeongsangnamdo province, Korea. Because the representative sampling frame could not be possible, the voluntary foreign workers who have agreed informed consents with a translated format into the native language, participated in this study. IgG antibodies of measles was examined by ELISA using the automation equipment (BEP III- ELISA). This study obtained the approval of Dong-A University Clinical Research Ethics Review Committee.

Results
364 people of foreign workers participated in the study. Regional distribution for study participants was composed of 30 people in Vietnam (16.5%), Uzbekistan 71 people (19.5%), Thailand 70 people (19.2%), China 60 people (16.5%), Philippines 36 people (9.9%), and Indonesia 32 people (8.8%). The average age was 33.0 ± 6.9 years old and 86.5% of the total was men. High school or higher education accounted for 74%. 93.7% showed positivity (95% CI: 95.7-98.9%) for measles IgG antibody and 3.6% showed equivocal.

Conclusions
The measles seropositivity among immigrant workers in Korea was considered to be at the recommended level.

Key messages
The measles seropositivity among immigrant workers in Korea was considered to be at the recommended level. International cooperation is needed to prevent global measles epidemic.
Influenza vaccination: a multi-modal approach to increase compliance in an italian teaching hospital
Authors: Celotto D , Malacarne F , Battistella C , Bucci F G , Antinolfi F , Brunelli L , Cocconi R , Tignonsini D , Faruzzo A , Brusaferro S 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Issue
Influenza vaccination of Healthcare workers (HCW) has a key role in avoiding flu transmission among patients and HCWs and is annually recommended by health authorities. Despite the 75% target identified by WHO, coverage is still inadequate in many European countries.

Description of the problem
The Infection Control Team and Public Health Residents of a University Hospital annually cooperate to actively offer flu shots directly in the Units, but in 2017-18 campaign only 12,1% of HCWs took advantage of the service. From July to December 2018 a composite intervention was performed to increase immunization rates. In each Unit a medical doctor and a nurse (midwife for the Obstetrics unit) were identified as Link Professionals (LPs).Two educational meetings with Infectious Diseases and Public Health experts were organized for LPs to deal with their hesitancies and to engage them for the vaccination promotion among colleagues.The calendar (2/week ambulatory + 16 in-ward appointments), tailored to maximise the HCW accessibility, was sent to medical consultants and head of departments, to all physicians, and to head nurses for dissemination. Promotional posters and videos were displayed across the hospital.

Results
Educational meetings were attended by 130 LPs. A total of 772/3420 HCW took advantage of the 2018-19 active campaign (22,6%), with a significant increase from the previous year (+10,4%; 95%CI 8,7-12,2; p &lt; 0,001). The immunization rates raised in all HCWs categories: 279/660 doctors (it was 167/660 in 2017-18; +17.0%; 95%CI 11,9-21.9; p &lt; 0,001); 303/1615 nurses (150/1615 in 2017-18; +9.5%; 95%CI 7.1-11-9; p &lt; 0,001); 13/43 midwives (2/43 in 2017-18; +25,6%; 95%CI 9.7-40.8; p = 0,002).

Lessons
Despite the significant increase,further efforts are necessary to reach the WHO target rate. All HCWs categories were positively affected by the multi-modal intervention. LPs seem to play an important role in promoting vaccination among colleagues, in a peer-to-peer trust relationship.

Key messages
Influenza vaccination rates needs to be increased in healthcare workers for their protection and for patient safety. A well-structured multi-modal intervention programme involving prepared HCW promoters into wards is essential to increase compliance.
Vaccination, Autonomy, Complexity, Solidarity - Ethical analyses of a German policy discourse
Authors: Schröder-Bäck P , Gille F , Brall C , Martakis K , Kuhn J 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Currently, measles immunization is high on the agenda of academic and public discourses - on both sides of the Atlantic. In Germany, the discussion of mandatory (measles) immunization was intensively publicly discussed in Spring 2019. Many stakeholders, including federal politicians, plea for mandatory measles immunization. In our paper we analyse the discourse from an ethical point of view.

Methods
Statements and arguments from German stakeholders in the public debate in 2019 are analysed (among them statements of the federal minister of health, the German Medical Association, NGOs and the National Ethics Council). A vaccination ethics framework and a public trust framework are applied in the analysis.

Results
Politicians and other public stakeholders debate (measles) immunization and increasingly demand mandatory (measles) vaccination. However, frequently it is unclear which vaccinations or immunization programmes they refer to. They often do ignore the epidemiological situation of immunization rates in Germany, regional differences, relevant target groups and implementation mechanisms, including potential sanctions. This way they simplify the complex problem and offer (populist) simplistic solutions. Normative arguments of stakeholders repeatedly use conceptions of ’autonomy’ and ’harm’; but sometimes also ’solidarity’ is mentioned.

Conclusions
The call for mandatory measles immunization of school and kindergarten children is offering no adequate and sufficient solution to the problem of elimination of measles. Nevertheless, it contributes to reducing infection risks for the children in care and schooling facilities. Rather, the problem has to be understood in its complexity before discussing the ethical challenges and making effective policy recommendations. When discussing ways to increase immunization rates, ethical values like public trust and solidarity have to be in the foreground - not (only) the debate of autonomy and its restriction.

Key messages
In German policy discourses 2019, the discussion of “mandatory (measles) vaccination” often shows inaccuracies regarding definitions and facts. These have to be clarified before ethical analysis. Ethical issues regarding the voluntariness of measles vaccination relate also to the ethical concepts of solidarity and public trust and not only to autonomy.
A model of Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae spreading in the French hospitals network
Authors: Roux J , Massonnaud C , Crépey P 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) are spreading at an alarming rate and threaten health systems and patient safety worldwide. In France, their transmission is driven by importation of international cases and inter-regional dissemination due to patients’ transfers between hospitals. This study aims at defining a mathematical model reproducing CPE transmission on the French network of hospitals.

Methods
CPE spreading is modeled using a stochastic susceptible-colonized-infected (SCI) hospital-based model. It takes into account both CPE dissemination through patient transfers, and importations either from foreign countries or in-town transmission. The patient transfer network was reconstructed using data from the French hospital discharge database (PMSI) over the years 2014-2017. Epidemiological parameters were estimated from surveillance data of CPE episodes from August 2010 to November 2016 from the French national Healthcare-Associated Infections Early Warning and Response System.

Results
Our epidemiological model replicates the number of CPE hospital outbreaks occurring in France on a network of 2,433 hospitals. It allows to estimate the number of unobserved hospitals’ colonization and differentiate outbreaks due to foreign importation from outbreaks due to patient transfers. Finally, the model can be used to benchmark control strategies based on patient redirections, or targeted screening.

Conclusions
This study is the first to simulate CPE spread in France using real-life patient transfers data. Our mathematical model may further help public health authorities in the definition and evaluation of new control strategies of CPE transmission based on patient flows between hospitals.

Key messages
The mathematical model take into account CPE spreading through hospital transfers and importations from origins using real-life data. Our stochastic susceptible-colonized-infected (SCI) hospital-based model reproduces CPE spread in France and further help in evaluating control strategies of CPE transmission.
How to build the partnership between researchers and field actors?
Authors: Ferron C , Joanny R , Le Grand E , Porcherie M , Rohou S 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

In health promotion, the partnership between researchers and practitioners (field actors) is necessary for multiple reasons: to build intervention research together, to share our knowledge and experience, to produce new knowledge and experience, and to improve the quality of interventions, decisions... and research.
In order to build this partnership and to achieve these goals, two dimensions were explored during several mixed workshops (researchers and field actors) organized in Brittany (France): their reciprocal perceptions, and what they can mutually bring to each other.
During the first workshop, a facilitation technique called “the figure,” (which health educators use when they need to underscore the perceptions of a group of professionals about a specific population) shed light on mutual misconceptions and helped rectify them. During the following workshops, both groups identified their common assets, resources, difficulties and stakes. They also highlighted what they could bring to each other.
Indeed, the relationship between researchers and field actors is usually considered in terms of the contributions of research to actions. However, field actors are more than simple “users” of a knowledge produced by others, they are also “producers’ of knowledge. They can contribute to define research questions, issues, hypotheses (with a social twist...); challenge the relevance and feasibility of research; promote the link and the understanding between the two separate worlds of practice and research; encourage the making of certain research protocols; facilitate experimentation; check the validity of the research projects in terms of social usefulness; make research more visible to field professionals and policy makers; and support knowledge transfer and exchange.
The ways in which the partnership between researchers and health promotion actors actually enrich both categories of professionals, are detailed in this presentation.

Key messages
Reciprocal representations of researchers and practitioners in the field of health promotion must be highlighted to lay the foundations of their partnership. In health promotion, knowledge transfer must be understood as an exchange between researchers and field actors, the latter being experts in their domain of intervention and producers of knowledge.
MENTAL HEALTH ACT, MALTA 2012 - A personal reflection on 5 years working with a new legal framework
Authors: Cachia J M 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

The Commissioner for the Promotion of Rights of Persons with Mental Disorders (CMH) was established in Article 5 of the Mental Health Act approved by the Maltese Parliament in December 2012. The whole Act was completely in force on 10th October 2014.
The involuntary care process is being closely monitored. Patients are being followed up within the time-frames established by the new law. Although not strictly comparable, length of stay in involuntary care has diminished radically. Patients are being discharged from compulsory treatment orders or transferred to community treatment orders rather than being left on “leave of absence”. Community involuntary care is the preferred option of following up difficult cases. This shift requires commitment to strengthen community support services and render them sustainable.
The applications for involuntary care are progressively being better completed and the quality of the information backing requests for involuntary detention of persons is improving. Care plans are being submitted, but their completeness and their quality merits revision. The issue of availability of human resources is a critical issue which regularly features in feedback with care teams. Evidence of greater involvement of patients and responsible carers in the care planning process should be better documented if it is indeed happening. The level of awareness of patients’ rights in terms of the Act merits deeper evaluation.
The CMH must continue to provide a voice to vulnerable persons with mental disorders and their loved ones. Maximization of the potential of persons with mental disorders is not only a question of social justice but also critical for the sustainability of our health system and the prosperity of our society. The burden of mental disorders is increasing exponentially with the modernization of our society and those who are not coping with this burden merit active consideration and support.

Key messages
Public health advocacy and the improvement of patient rights. The use of legislative tools in reforming service delivery.