bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Contraceptive use in Italian young adults in 2013 and 2017/18
Authors: Martellucci M , Bori T , Acuti Martellucci C 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Investigations regarding knowledge and utilization of contraception for the prevention of unwanted pregnancies as well as of sexually transmitted diseases are carried out regularly in low- and middle-income countries. The same might not happen in high-income countries, were these topics could be regarded with less priority. We aimed to asses trends in contraception use among young adults in Italy.

Methods
From the Italian Institute of Statistics (ISTAT) Survey on Health Status and Use of Health Care, we collected aggregated data on contraception use among Italians aged 18 to 24 years old, by sex, for the year 2013. From the National Fertility Study of the Italian Higher Institute of Health (ISS) we collected aggregated data on contraception use among a nationally representative sample of Italian university students with a mean age of 22 years old, for both sexes, for years 2017 and 2018. We compared the estimates of prevalence of use of different contraceptives across the two surveys, utilizing, for the 2013 survey, the mean of the results for the two sexes.

Results
The use of at least one type of contraceptive grew from 89.3% in 2013 to 95.0% in 2017-2018, while the use of condoms increased from 69.7% in 2013 to 71.2% in 2017-2018. The use of coitus interruptus increased as well from 15.9% in 2013 to 24.0% in 2017-2018. The use of modern contraceptive methods was not comparable across the two surveys.

Conclusions
The two surveys from 2013 and 2017-2018 were not comparable for all the estimates of contraception use. While the prevalence of use of at least one type of contraceptive and of condoms increased from 2013 to 2017-2018, the contemporary increase of use of coitus interruptus raises some concerns. There is a need for reproducible surveys conducted at shorter intervals, and also for investigating trends in access and utilization of medical counselling about contraception, especially among young adults.

Key messages
Use of any kind of contraceptive and of condoms has slightly increased in Italy from 2013 to 2017-2018, but in the same period the use of coitus interruptus increased by around 8%. Surveillance systems for contraception use in Italy should be strengthened through regular surveys with reproducible methods, including assessments of medical counselling about contraception.
Does work disability influence work trajectories around vocational labor market training in Finland?
Authors: Leinonen T , Viikari-Juntura E , Räisänen H , Sundvall S , Kauhanen A , Solovieva S 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
People with health problems have lower employment rates than the general population and they require special attention with respect to interventions promoting work participation. However, the contribution of health problems and work disability to labor market participation in relation to vocational training is unclear.

Methods
Using nationally representative Finnish register data on 42,691 job seekers entering vocational labor market training in 2008-2010, we constructed latent trajectory groups of work participation in the open labor market three years before and three years after training, identifying groups called “High-High”, “High-Low”, “Low-High”, and “Low-Low”. We plotted other labor market participation within these trajectory groups and using multinomial logistic regression examined assignment to these groups among those with and without previous work disability.

Results
Of the vocational trainees, 29.7% had previous work disability. Those with compared to those without previous work disability more often had previous employment and they spent less time in economic inactivity within the two trajectory groups with low pre-training levels of work participation. Having previous work disability was associated with assignment to the “High-Low” trajectory group of work participation instead of the “High-High” comparison group. The associations of other background factors with assignment to the different trajectory groups were relatively similar among those with and without previous work disability. However, some of these associations were weaker among the former.

Conclusions
A relatively large proportion of vocational labor market trainees had previous work disability, which influenced work participation in the open labor market and other labor market participation before and after training. Along with other key background factors, previous work disability should be accounted for when assessing the effects of vocational training.

Key messages
Previous work disability contributes to trajectories of labor market participation among vocational labor market trainees. Problems of health and work disability should be accounted for when assessing the effects of vocational training.
Assessing linkages between public health and population densities in cities and urban environment
Authors: Negrón-Martínez E 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The global challenges and trends of our time include natural ecosystems disturbances and the global burden of disease attributable to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and emerging infectious diseases like coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Summed to this problem is the still undervalued accountability of economic and environmental sustainability in most nations. Many densely population settled cities around the world account for up to 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions mainly because of their substantial use of energy for buildings, industries, and transportation. Continued increases in urbanization are also driving more exposure to air pollution, water shortages, and waste-related risks to the population.
This research aimed to show key connections between the multi-sectoral and interdependent determinants of health. The method followed a systematic review of primary and secondary data on various topics, including global health, environmental health indicators, socio-economic factors, and linkages between economic and environmental sustainability.
Literature determines by 2050, 66% of the world's population projected to inhabit urban areas mostly. In 2012, the global burden of disease study by using the Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) metric estimated that 23% of global deaths were attributable to the environment. DALYs metric compares years of life lost due to mortality and years of life lost due to disability by a specific cause, including the burden of risk factors, diseases, lifestyles, or individual's socio-economic status. Leading causes globally due to road traffic injuries, interpersonal violence, and suicide, take a substantial toll on those socio-economic factors.
Health is a crucial attribute of human development in the post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) achievable by scaling up the implementation of these goals in universal, holistic, and inclusive pathways. Hence, advancing sustainability policies to prosperous, healthier humanity.

Key messages
Public health's diverse components attained when there is a shared vision in the multidisciplinary teams to disease prevention and health promotion of all individuals that make up societies. Research and science communication should translate both the ideas of scientific progress and its implications for policies, economies and people's lifestyle choices.
Reporting of noise-induced hearing loss: perceptions of primary health care professionals
Authors: Gonçalves C , Pedroso H , Areosa J 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Worldwide, workers' health is still a Public Health concern, given the high number of hazardous occupational activities, as well as workers affected by work-related diseases. Among these diseases, occupational Noise-Induced Hearing Loss-NIHL is considered the second commonest occupational disease, and in Brazil, its reporting is compulsory. However, occupational diseases are usually underreported, hindering the knowledge of their actual magnitude, and the elaboration of prevention-oriented public policies.

Objective
To analyze the perception and knowledge of Primary Health Care professionals in Curitiba-Parana State, Brazil, on the compulsory NIHL reporting.

Methods
quantitative and qualitative approach conducted in three steps: analysis of a series of NIHL case histories reported in the official database between 2007 and 2018; application of a questionnaire to Primary Health Care Network professionals; collective interview with Primary Health Care Network nurses, speech therapists and doctors.

Results
NIHL reporting evidenced 82 cases, 67 (81.7%) among males, age ranging 50-64 years, 10 (12.2%) had complete high school level, 27 (32.9%) were formally employed, and 12 (14.6%) worked in the processing industry. Regarding the result of the applied questionnaire among the Primary Health Care professionals, 48 (68.7%) stated that they were prepared to identify workers' health problems, to 33 (68.7%) professionals, guidance to reassure users' comprehensive care is more important than the compulsory reporting, 21 (43.7%) claimed that they were qualified to identify NIHL cases, and 25 (52.1%) did not report the cases. Difficulties in reporting NIHL cases are: not understanding their flow, being afraid of the legal implications, which may generate difficulties in requesting audiometric testing, not having the management support, etc.

Conclusions
Most health care professionals are knowledgeable on NIHL, but they do not report the suspected cases due to lack of guidance.

Key messages
Primary care health professionals does not consider occupational health as part of the service to be provided. Primary care services are not prepared to establish the relationship between the injury and the job.
Association between education and self-assessment of the neighborhood environment
Authors: Photiou G , Middleton N , Panagiotakos D B , Panayiotou A 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
DEpICT is an ongoing observational, cross-sectional study in community-dwellers in Limassol, Cyprus aiming to combine individual-level and community-level risk factors to decode their effect on arterial health (stiffness) as measured with pulse wave velocity (PWV).

Methods
Participants are &gt;40 years who have been living in the same address for ≥5 years. They provide personal information on quality of life and mental health (SF-12 and GHQ-12), physical activity (IPAQ), adherence to Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and sociodemographic. Anthropometric characteristics are measured on site, as well as arterial stiffness (carotid-femoral PWV) and central blood pressure. Neighborhood is self-assessed using the “Place Standard” Tool, as well as with an independent neighborhood audit using the newly-developed CyNoTes tool.

Results
Out of the first 176 participants (53% male), 45% had a college/university degree with a further 19% having graduate degrees, while the vast majority (92%) reported home ownership. Education was not associated with net family income (p = 0.3) nor home-ownership (p = 0.28). Out of the 14 constructs in Place standard, “Public transport” and “Participation and sense of control” were rated lowest (3.1 ± 1.9 and 3.1 ± 1.8) and “Identity and sense of belonging” and “Safety” highest (4.1 ± 1.9 and 4.5 ± 1.8). Education was not associated with any construct in “Place” or with total neighbourhood score.

Conclusions
Participants rate the social and safety aspects of their neighbourhood higher than the build aspects. Educational attainment may not be a good proxy for neighbourhood socioeconomic assessment in Cyprus, given the high rates of university graduates.

Key messages
Participants express the need for more public engagement in community decision-making; sense of lacking control may affect individual health. Educational attainment is not a good proxy for neighborhood socioeconomic assessment in the cultural context of Cyprus.
Genotoxic damage in workers exposed to pigment-grade titanium dioxide (TiO2) during paint production
Authors: Bonetta S a , Macrì M , Acito M , Bonetta S i , Castrignanò G , Fenoglio I , Bergamaschi E , Carraro E 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
TiO2 is broadly used in a wide range of applications such as photocatalysis, pigments and additives. Despite the promising commercial opportunities, different studies have shown that TiO2 can induce oxidative stress, inflammatory and genotoxic effects. The European Union has classified certain titanium dioxide powders and powder mixtures containing TiO2 as a suspected carcinogen (Category 2) via inhalation. Considering that the information about the potential adverse health effects of TiO2 in occupational environment are still scarce and controversial, the purpose of the study was to investigate the genotoxic effects and oxidative stress in workers exposed to TiO2 during paint production.
Biomarkers of early effect (DNA damage and micronuclei) were evaluated in the buccal cells and salivary leucocytes of 30 workers (15 production workers and 15 controls). To collect information about personal details, occupational history, medication, smoking, diet, physical activity, a questionnaire was administered to all workers. Personal and area monitoring have been carried out to determine airborne inhalable and respirable fraction of TiO2; a NanoTracer was used to monitor the presence of ultrafine particles.
In spite of the low mass concentration and a mild percentage of nanoparticles, filter deposited TiO2 was in sub-micron size, thus accounting for its respirability. Preliminary results on salivary leucocytes show a slight higher DNA damage in the exposed workers as compared to the controls.
Whereas biomarker assessment is still in progress, these preliminary findings show that workers are exposed to low but measurable levels of TiO2 able to induce a mild genotoxic damage. A combined approach using both personal exposure assessment and biomonitoring can improve the risk assessment in occupational settings in which TiO2 is handled. Moreover, this also suggest to take precautionary measure during specific activities and operational phases thus decreasing the risks for worker.

Key messages
The results of the present study may promote effective risk management practices in occupational environments that uses TiO2. The results obtained suggest the introduction of activities and operational phases with lower risks for the worker.
Human factor of The Use Of Robotic Technology In Pediatric neurorehabilitation
Authors: Gilardi F , De Falco F , Casasanta D , Andellini M , Gazzellini S , Petrarca M , Castelli E , Raponi M , Magnavita N , Zaffina S 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Robotic technology represents a new rehabilitation opportunity that, with an approach similar to a video game, increases the motivation to treat children and seems able to activate brain plasticity, at the basis of the functional recovery due to its interactivity and intensity of the training experience. Literature reports few studies that evaluate the ergonomic aspects of devices for neurorehabilitation, from the point of view of both the operator and the patient. Similar studies in the pediatric field are rare. This study aims to evaluate the response of workers, patients and their parents to this new technology.
The study considered the response of the workers (perception of the workload, satisfaction), that of the patients and their parents (expectations, benefits) by comparing the answers to subjective questionnaires of those who made use of the new technology with those who used the traditional technique. Twelve workers, 46 patients and 47 parents were enrolled in the study.
Significant differences were recorded in the total workload score of operators who use the robotic technology compared to the traditional therapy (p &lt; 0.001). Patients reported a higher quality of life and satisfaction after the use of robotic neurorehabilitation therapy. The parents of patients undergoing robotic therapy have moderately higher expectations and satisfaction than those undergoing traditional therapy. None of the parameters checked was worse in the new therapeutic technique than in the traditional one.
In this pilot study, the robotic neurorehabilitation technique induced an increase in the expectations and satisfaction of patients and their parents. As is frequent in the introduction of new technologies, workers perceived a greater workload. Subsequent studies are needed to verify the results achieved. This study is being developed in an Italian pediatric hospital, with the collaboration and funding of the Italian Ministry of Health, coauthor of this study.

Key messages
Robotic therapy presents a higher workload compared to traditional one. Robotic technique induced an increase in quality of life of patients and in expectations and satisfaction of their parents.
Work absence and multimorbidity in Portugal: results from the 1st National Health Examination Survey
Authors: Matos J , Matias Dias C , Félix A 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Studies on the impact of patients with multimorbidity in the absence of work indicate that the number and type of chronic diseases may increase absenteeism and that the risk of absence from work is higher in people with two or more chronic diseases. This study analyzed the association between multimorbidity and greater frequency and duration of work absence in the portuguese population between the ages of 25 and 65 during 2015.

Methods
This is an epidemiological, observational, cross-sectional study with an analytical component that has its source of information from the 1st National Health Examination Survey. The study analyzed univariate, bivariate and multivariate variables under study. A multivariate logistic regression model was constructed.

Results
The prevalence of absenteeism was 55,1%. Education showed an association with absence of work (p = 0,0157), as well as professional activity (p = 0,0086). It wasn't possible to verify association between the presence of chronic diseases (p = 0,9358) or the presence of multimorbidity (p = 0,4309) with absence of work. The prevalence of multimorbidity was 31,8%. There was association between age (p &lt; 0,0001), education (p &lt; 0,001) and yield (p = 0,0009) and multimorbidity. There is no increase in the number of days of absence from work due to the increase in the number of chronic diseases. In the optimized logistic regression model the only variables that demonstrated association with the variable labor absence were age (p = 0,0391) and education (0,0089).

Conclusions
The scientific evidence generated will contribute to the current discussion on the need for the health and social security system to develop policies to patients with multimorbidity.

Key messages
The prevalence of absenteeism and multimorbidity in Portugal was respectively 55,1% and 31,8%. In the optimized model age and education demonstrated association with the variable labor absence.
Are the academic institutions of public health in Africa able to prepare graduates for UHC?
Authors: Ledibane N R T , Wolvaardt J E , Voyi K V V 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Current challenges facing the overburdened health systems warrant a review of public health training and development of the health workforce in Africa within the context of the envisioned global goal of universal health coverage (UHC). The integral components informing the relevance of public health education in the setting of UHC comprises the academic workforce, curriculum and institutional capacity. The aim of the study is to assess the capacity of African academic institutions of public health to address the requirements for UHC and sustainable development goals (SDGs), and to develop an institutional self-evaluation tool as part of an accreditation system.

Methods
Study design: this multi-phase study will employ mixed methods. Study setting: academic institutions of public health at Anglophone, Lusophone, Francophone countries in Africa. Study population: Heads/Deans of Departments/Schools of Public Health, education experts and/or content experts. Various sampling techniques will be employed per study phase. Phase 1 will use an electronic, secure, validated self-administered questionnaire and/or interview schedule to determine the academic workforce demographic characteristics, curriculum characteristics and institutional characteristics. Phase 2 will comprise a Delphi study to determine the items for a self-evaluation tool that will be piloted in Phase 3. STATA version 15 will be used for quantitative analysis and ATLAS.ti software for qualitative analysis.

Conclusions
The study findings are envisaged to produce a self-evaluation tool that can guide these institutions to align academic training and development in pursuit of realising the SDGs and implementation of UHC. Furthermore, the study findings will be shared with the Association of Schools of Public Health in Africa (ASPHA); and used to strengthen the regional institution capacities and networks of public health.

Key messages
Thorough systematic planning and preparation in public health education is vital for the successful implementation of UHC. The African region does not have an accreditation system for academic institutions of public health; and while this role can be fulfilled by ASPHA, evaluation tools are needed.
Implementation of Adolescent and Youth Friendly Health Services in a Rural Region of Tigray, Ethiopia
Authors: Cigliano F , Gebremichael H , Teklay K , Ayele B , Negash D , Gebreslassie F , Gebretnsae H , Hadgu T , Fascendini M 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
The Eastern Zone of the Tigray (Ethiopia) is inhabited by 900,000 people, 34% of whom are adolescents and young people between 10-24 years of age, who are easily influenced by the social and family context and are exposed to significant health risks associated with the earliness of their approach to sexual life. Nonetheless, even if a complete health service is available, the quality is often undermined by the lack of the so-called Youth-Friendly Corners (high confidentiality spaces reserved for young people), promoted internationally by WHO. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the program established in this zone by the Medical Collaboration Committee regarding the creation of friendly health services for adolescent and youth people (AYFHS), especially built for sex education, family planning, abortion, and sexual transmitted infection (STI) prevention.

Methods
The program “#Youths at the centre!” was implemented in 20 rural health centers in the North-East Tigray on April 2018. Data from these AYFHS were collected monthly in aggregated indicators, separated for gender and age class. Use of AYFHS during 2018 and 2019 was assessed using percentage and 95% confidence interval and the period of implementation of the project and centers' characteristics were analyzed to investigate differences in AYFHS utilization.

Results
A monthly mean of 6.04% (6.01% - 6.08%) of adolescents and young people utilized an AYHFS for any of its service; 0.03% accessed for counseling, diagnosis, and treatment of STI, 1.31% for family planning, 1.09% for delivery, and 0.05% for legal abortion. Lower level of utilization was observed in more remote health centers, despite a general increase across the study period.

Conclusions
This project shows the importance of providing friendly facilities dedicated to adolescents and youth in low-income countries, in order to increment the utilization of health services from this population, especially in rural contexts.

Key messages
In rural areas of Africa the risks associated with poor health information of young people and the earliness of the beginning of sexual life remain a Public Health problem. In low income countries the presence of high confidentially spaces for young people in the Health Services could increase their utilization, especially for sex education and family planning.