bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Health literacy and physical activity as buffers to counter act work related stress
Authors: Saboga-Nunes L , Madaleno P , Ferreira T , Guerra R , Mata I , Barros B 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Stress health problems affect 47.8% of the work force in Portugal. It is predicted that, in the next decade, these problems will overcome musculoskeletal disorders, the first cause of employee’s withdrawal from work. Research indicates connections between stress and dimensions of the work place (like job satisfaction). Nevertheless the conceptual understanding of these relationships is sparse. In order to better understand these relationships, this research focus on the use of job–specific models of stress, associating them with health literacy (HL) - in the context of the European Health Literacy Survey framework (HLS-EU) - and physical exercise.

Methods
A total of 748 participants from the different offices of a company in the financial sector (Portugal, main land and autonomous territories) participated in a cross sectional survey (CAWI). Age ranged from 25 to 65 years and HL was measured using the HLS-EU instrument validated to Portuguese (HLS-EU-PT). Each participant was allocated to one of the groups, either of satisfactory HL (when scores ≥30) or insufficient HL (when scores &lt;30).

Results
Out of the 748 participants (58.7% males, average age of 39 years), 80.4% sometimes and very often experience stress and tension in the workplace. Less than one in every two (44.4%) practice physical activity several times a week. Of the participants, 7.1% have inadequate, 39.0% problematic, 36.6% sufficient and 17.3% excellent HL (HLS-EU-PT). Employees that are more active are those who experience lower levels of stress.

Conclusions
The research of the effects of HL combined with physical exercise, as buffer variables to problems related to the effects of work stress, is a new area of research that may help understand patterns of adherence to activities that can help workers deal with everyday working conditions. More research is needed to integrate HL strategies in the work place.
How does capacity building in public health work? Insights from the midterm evaluation of the CONFIDE project
Authors: Palianopoulou M , Eklund Karlsson L , Aro A R 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Introduction
In an increasingly complex, rapidly changing world with a growing inequality gap, capacity building (CB) could function as an essential instrument for improving population health in a resilient and sustainable way. The PH community has been engaged in CB for decades, but there is little empirical evidence about the effectiveness of the efforts. Most evaluations focus on the individual level disregarding the complex, dynamic and multidimensional nature of CB. The aim is to provide an overview of CONFIDE’s 4-level evaluation framework - individual, organizational, network and system - and to share the findings and learning from the first 18 project months.

The progress
A participatory, multilevel evaluation approach is used in CONFIDE. Existing evaluation models/tools, adapted to the project needs, are used to evaluate the interventions; Kirkpatrick’s 4-level model guides the assessment of the training program’s effectiveness and impact, social network analysis for the networking interventions and organizational capacity and sustainability tools to evaluate the performance of the C4EHPs. Data collection has been conducted via surveys and document reviews at multiple time points.
The preliminary findings show that, on the individual level, the trainees perceived increased knowledge and skills in the three PH fields. On the organizational level, human resources to deliver PH-related training in the participating Tunisian universities have been developed. On the network level, challenges have been encountered in building partnerships beyond the medical field. On the system level, significant delays have occurred in the establishment of the C4EHPs mainly due to the centralized administrative processes in Tunisia.

Conclusions
While the project’s CB process is still at an early phase, the current findings indicate that the diversity of the activities used has contributed positively to the enhancement of the beneficiaries’ existing capacities in PH.
Workshop: Screening infectious diseases amongst migrants in Europe: The diversity of policies
Authors:   Organised by: French National Institute of Health and Medical Research Chair persons: Martin Duracinsky - France, Manish Pareek - UK
Published: November 2019

Abstract

In Europe, the prevalence of several infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and tuberculosis is higher amongst migrants. Late diagnosis of HIV, hepatitis B and C is a health issue that thwarts prevention efforts. Early diagnosis has obvious benefits, both for the individuals (i.e. earlier access to care with a better life expectancy) and for the community. As regard for HIV, treated patients with an undetectable viral load do not transmit the virus. This is in line with the UNAIDS 90-90-90 target that in every country 90% of people living with HIV should be aware of their positive status, 90% of them should be treated with antiretroviral and within 90% should have an undetectable viral load.
Widespread testing of HIV, HBV and HCV is recommended by European guidelines, such those from European Centre for disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). The ECDC recommends that screening for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and tuberculosis should be offered to every migrant from countries with a high prevalence (≥1% for HIV and ≥2% for hepatitis B and C). Other recommendations include ensuring that screening and vaccination is voluntary and confidential, that migrants have a quick access to care, addressing barriers to screening, and taking into account the particular issues and needs of migrants. However, European countries have developed diverse guidelines and initiatives to address the issue of screening infectious diseases amongst migrants.
The objective of this workshop is to present several European initiatives to improve the screening of infectious diseases amongst migrants. Four initiatives will be presented and discussed: screening of active tuberculosis amongst asylum seekers with the use of a questionnaire in Switzerland; replacing the systematic chest X-ray with a screening questionnaire for active tuberculosis and introducing rapid tests for HIV, HBV and HCV for all legal migrants at entry point in France, adding HIV, HBV and HCV testing to the compulsory targeted tuberculosis test in the Netherlands and offering targeted tests for latent tuberculosis, HBV and HCV to migrants registering for primary care in the UK.

Key messages
Screening of infectious diseases should be targeted to migrants from high-incidence countries. European practices should be harmonized.
Screening TB in asylum seekers in Switzerland: comparing chest X-ray and interview-based system
Authors: Jackson Y , Zellweger J P 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Setting
Mandatory initial screening of asylum seekers for tuberculosis (TB) in Switzerland, 2004-2005 and 2007-2008.

Objective
To compare the yield of screening by chest radiography with an individual assessment based on geographic origin, personal history and symptoms.

Design
Cross-sectional retrospective comparison of two 2-year periods.

Results
The prevalence of detected TB cases was defined as the proportion of screenees starting antit tuberculosis treatment for culture-confi rmed pulmonary TB within 90 days. TB prevalence was 14.3 per 10 000 asylum seekers screened (31/21 727) using chest radiography and 12.4 (29/23 402) using individual assessment. The sensitivity of radiography was 100% vs. 55% for individual assessment, but its specifi city was lower (89.9% vs. 96.0%, respectively). The higher sensitivity of radiography meant shorter delays between screening and start of treatment (median 6 vs. 25 days). Its lower specifi city led to a larger proportion of screenees needing further investigations for suspicion of TB (12% vs. 4%).

Conclusions
The interview-based system initially missed more cases, but the ultimate 90-day yield was comparable for the two periods. The main difference is the delay until start of treatment, which potentially increases transmission and secondary cases. The radiograph system was more burdensome to both the health care system and the screenees, as more suspects required further investigations.
Using HBSC data as part of Ireland’s key policy documents: the example of wellbeing
Authors: Molcho M 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
This paper examines the importance of understanding wellbeing in childhood and adolescence, and will present Ireland’s efforts to develop a set of national indicators of wellbeing that are published every two year in the State of the Nation’s Children Report. One of the main source of population based indicators of wellbeing in Ireland is the Irish Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC). The HBSC Study in Ireland collects data from 10-18 year olds children since 1998, using a self-completion questionnaire. Data are collected every four years using standardised procedures for sampling and data collection. The same procedures are used since the initiation of the study in Ireland allowing for both cross-country comparison and time trend analysis. As part of the efforts to develop the Irish set of indicators of wellbeing, the HBSC group used a participatory research with children to identify what makes children happy, and the indicators identified by children are now routinely collected. The paper will present these indicators and how they were developed. Most recently, the HBSC study group was asked to develop indicators to the new National Policy framework for children and young people, Better Outcomes Brighter Future, to fill in the gaps in existing knowledge. This further expands the role that the HBSC study in Ireland has in informing policy and in providing data for assessing its success. The paper will present the indicators that are currently used for both national documents, as well as how these were developed.
Using data from the HBSC study for evidence-based suicide prevention in Luxembourg
Authors: van Duin C , Catunda C , Heinz A , Willems H 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Issue
As suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people, WHO aims to reduce the suicide rate with 10% by 2020 worldwide. In Luxembourg, organization D’Ligue coordinates suicide prevention. Since suicide research has been carried out in the country for a few years only, data on adolescent suicidal ideation is lacking. Therefore, D’Ligue has contacted the Luxembourg team of the international Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study, to identify risk factors for suicide behaviour and derive recommendations from them.

Description of the problem
First, our practice partner wanted us to provide them with basic data on the suicidal ideation of adolescents: How many adolescents are suicidal and what are risk factors? Second, recommendations for practice should be derived from the results. To this end, the HBSC data (2014) of 5262 pupils aged 12-18 were analysed.

Results
15.1% of adolescents thought about suicide last year and 7% attempted suicide. Of the 24 risk factors examined, 12 were found to be significant, with three being particularly important: multiple health complaints (OR: 1.3 for each health complaint, p &lt; 0.001, CI: 1.18 - 1.33), lower life satisfaction (OR: 1.3 for the loss of each life satisfaction point, p &lt; 0.001, CI: 1.17 - 1.33) and frequent physical fighting (OR: 2.4, p &lt; 0.001, CI: 1.57 - 3.74).

Lessons
Risk factors for suicide behaviour known from research have been confirmed for Luxembourg. What is new is that the number of health complaints is the most important risk factor for Luxembourgish adolescents. Therefore, a list of 8 health complaints was validated as a screening tool for suicidal thoughts. In a further step, this tool could be used, for example, by school nurses. The HBSC data can be used to update the national suicide prevention plan.

Main messages
HBSC data are used to: update the Luxembourgish national plan for suicide prevention.investigate a screening tool for adolescents at risk for suicide.
Workshop: Implementing cost-effective policies to reduce the burden of alcohol in the European region: national and local experiences?
Authors:   Organised by: MILDECA, WHO EURO Moderators: Carina Ferreira-Borges - WHO EURO, Nicolas Prisse - MILDECA
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Countries across the European region have very different approaches to alcohol policies and to their implementation. Presentations by different countries/local authorities will illustrate different interventions taken to reduce alcohol consumption and attributable harm, the effective operational strategy, and the various actors mobilised to promote the coherence and efficiency of inter-sectorial public action (i.e education, health, law enforcement, private sectors). This workshop will contribute to further enabling its participants to set or contribute to set efficient policies aimed at reducing the risks and damages related to alcohol consumption. Moreover, the workshop could result in triggering European synergies and contribute to the promotion and effectiveness of such initiatives.
Role of the health sector in EIA
Authors: Martuzzi M , Nowacki J , Cave B , Mekel O , Silva F , Martin-Olmedo P , Xiao Y , Claßen T h 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
EIA is an obligation for many projects in many countries. Consideration of human health within EIA is also an obligation. This results in an invaluable opportunity for early consideration of a variety of environmental health determinants, leading to minimization of noxious exposures and promotion of the salutogenic factors involved in plans and projects in many sectors. In other words, EIA can be an extremely powerful vehicle to scaling up primary prevention - by far the most effective strategy in public health. This opportunity is further enriched by the recent revision of the EU Directive on EIA, which makes better provision for human health considerations in EIA, in particular referring to the need to address “significant” health effects of plans and projects - without elaborating further.
The health sector can play a key role in EIA by: recognizing the opportunity and its potential, so far under-exploited; engage in dialogue with other sectors, on specific applications; make institutional arrangements so as to secure manpower and competences to contribute to EIA; advocate for a high level of human health consideration in EIAs on the ground.
This process requires careful consideration of needs and constraints of EIA, including a need to establish a common language with other sectors, the identification of realistic, achievable goals, as well as long-term objectives, the consolidation of available methods and tools and a need to engage in possibly unfamiliar conversations. A pragmatic, operational decision on what constitutes significant health effects in the context of EIA may be a good starting point to measure the readiness of the health sector to undertake this journey.
Development of a French ecosystem to support cohorts
Authors: Durrleman S D 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
For a long time, the usual research funding mechanisms in France limited the development of very large databases (funding too low or too short for example). Over the past decade, new measures provided unprecedented momentum in our country to structure large cohorts.
Due to their very broad scope, cohorts are one of the reference instruments for epidemiological and public health research. Cohorts also help to inform decision-making on risk prevention action, enhance the health system or patient care. For these reasons, the French Ministry of Research identified in 2008 cohort as research infrastructures. With this decision, the Ministry recognizes their usefulness for the public health research community, and more broadly for biomedical research. To fund this ambition, a call for proposal was launch in 2010 by the government as part of the ‘Investments for the Future &gt;&gt;. A dozen patient or general population cohorts are funded through this process, such as Constances, E4N or others.
The creation of the National Health Data System in 2017 also reinforces the strategic aspect of cohorts. This system is unique in Europe. He allows cohort data to be linked with data from health insurance, hospital data, causes of death, disability data and supplementary health insurance organizations. The challenge of artificial intelligence also follow the analysis of this data flow.
This model is part of a national strategy with several initiatives: joint coordination, shared services (France Cohortes), the France Médecine Génomique plan and the Health Data Hub, as well as the recently announced launch of 4 Institutes for Artificial Intelligence, three out of them having exploitation of health data at the heart of their development strategy. The objective of this intervention will be to present this french integrated model, and mechanisms developed, in terms of tools, resources or staff, at the service of cohorts and researchers.
Health literacy policy to promote public health in Europe
Authors: Rowlands G 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Health literacy is gaining increasing attention as a means of promoting individual- community- and population-level health, and is key to delivery of the European Health 2020 policy. European policy frameworks promote a holistic approach to policy at multiple levels in society and across multiple arenas in every-day life.

Methods
An evidence synthesis was undertaken to describe health literacy policies in the WHO European Region: their distribution, organizational levels, antecedents, actors, activities and outcomes, along with the factors influencing their effectiveness. Evidence was obtained by a scoping review of academic literature in English, Dutch and German and of grey literature in English, Dutch, German and Italian, supported by a Region-wide expert enquiry. Emerging findings were presented to representatives from 19 Member States of the Region to check for accuracy and omissions.

Results
The report highlights much good health literacy policy-related activity, mostly in the health and education sectors. Fewer policy-related activities were identified in other areas, such as the lived environment, employment, the media, and digital health. Robust evaluation of policy-related activities was identified in some, but not all, policies.

Conclusions
Suggestions are made for policy-makers to share good health literacy policy practice, and to further develop policy aims and activities across all societal areas. An additional need is the development of robust health literacy metrics to direct resources and monitor the effectiveness of policy activities.
Round table: Academic institutions and regional governments: two worlds apart?
Authors:   Organised by: WHO RHN, Østfold University College, Norwegian University for Life Sciences,   Chair persons: Francesco Zambon - WHO EURO
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Partnerships can be described as voluntary, equal and binding agreements between different stakeholders about cooperation and efforts towards a common goal. Partnerships are especially seen as a necessary and important factor within governance and for solving complex “wicked problems”. This is reflected both in the European health policy framework Health 2020 and in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, where the development of partnerships is described as an important tool for achieving goals and obtaining sustainability. Partnerships between regional governments and academic institutions could be especially important, as many countries in Europe delegate power and responsibility for public health to the regional and local level. As regional academic institutions have local knowledge, they might be in a better position for adding more value into collaboration with the health professionals and policy makers working in regional governments.
However, public health partnerships between regional governments and academic institutions are not straight forward, as the operationalization, conceptualization, and prioritization of public health issues varies across sectors. Several pitfalls for successful partnerships have also been identified, such as hidden unwillingness to share information or resources, rapid policy and organizational shifts, resistant ‘silo mentality’, and difficulties to establish evidence of impact. When partnerships are made between academic environments and the practical level in the public sector, different views upon what is actually knowledge and evidence, and how to translate knowledge into practice, lead to challenges.
In this workshop, the complex relationships between academia and practice are discussed, both by examining advantages and by taking a critical stance. The results from a survey of 31 regions within the WHO Regions for Health (RHN) on partnerships will be presented, describing the occurrence of partnerships, how public health partnerships are formalized and organized, important enablers, how collaborations are carried out in practice, perceived benefits and success, and experienced challenges. This will further be elaborated on in a panel discussion between representatives from four regions with longstanding experience with public health partnerships between regional government and academic institutions, sharing examples, experiences and good advice.

Key messages
Despite representing different worlds, partnerships between regional governments and academic institutions are powerful and effective structures to address public health challenges. Sustainable partnerships should patiently be developed through building mutual understanding and trust between motivated individuals representing both academia and regional governments.
Joining two worlds - When academia meets real life and vice versa
Authors: Ese J , Ihlebak C 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Partnerships between academic institutions and actors outside of academia have for some time been considered a universal remedy for solving complex issues in a wide range of fields; ranging from themes as different as commercial developments in innovation clusters to reducing social inequalities or working against climate change. Such partnerships are strongly encouraged by governing bodies, and are sometimes prerequisites for being eligible as applicants for funding schemes like H2020. A proof of the impact this model of cooperation has had, is the fact that partnership is the only organisational structure that has been elevated to be part of the UN17 goals for sustainable development.
Throughout history, academia has had a complex relationship with the society to which it belongs. On the one hand, academia depends on being seen as valuable, often through visible and concrete impact on society. On the other hand, within academia there is a strong norm of academic freedom stating that such freedom is best accommodated for through a certain degree of insulation between academia and society. This way of understanding academic freedom is an important cornerstone of the Humboltian university ideals as well as in the Mertonian CUDOS norms. Practice and policy actors may also find partnerships with academia complex to navigate. However, such partnerships can be valuable through ensuring that policies and developments are based on research findings and best practices. Furthermore, academics may educate and train practitioners, and evaluate and do research on their initiatives. However, partnerships can also be challenging for practitioners, as academics have to follow strict principles for research design and have little room for holding back results that may put the practitioners in a bad light. In this presentation the complex relationships between academia and practice are presented, both by examining advantages and by taking a critical stance.