bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Connecting Older Adults and Their Families through Social Technology
Authors: Mueller J , Foran H 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Older adults often face problems with social isolation, which is a risk factor for poorer mental and physical health. New forms of social technologies (e.g., WhatsApp) provide opportunities to facilitate social connectedness with family members. Understanding older adults’ behaviors and perceptions related to digital communication tools can inform the development of interventions to increase the adoption of these tools for social communication. This study aims to evaluate attitudes and barriers to as well as facilitators of social technology reported by grandparents and grandchildren. The secondary aim is to examine the associations between social technology use and health and well-being outcomes and to identify what factors mediate the use of social technology.

Methods
In this cross-sectional study, 144 grandchildren (Mage=26.53, SD = 9.17; 81.9% female) were recruited through student mailing lists. Grandparents were invited either through their grandchild or by the research team and recruitment is expected to be completed by September 2019. Three main groups of variables were examined: health and well-being outcomes, social support related outcomes and social technology related outcomes.

Results & Conclusions
Grandchildren reported very positive attitudes toward social technology as expected. Greater social technology use was associated with better psychological (r =.26, p =.002) and subjective well-being (rs =.20, p =.023), higher psychosocial flourishing (r =.41, p &lt;.001), social support (rs =.22, p =.009) and social connectedness (r =.39, p &lt;.001). Social technology use was not correlated with health, the grandparent-grandchild relationship, loneliness and depression at the bivariate level. Barriers to social technology are security concerns, threat to privacy and constant availability. Facilitators include increased contact, dealing with geographic boundaries and information seeking. Results from grandparents will also be presented.

Key messages
Social technology has potential to enhance older adults’ lives by facilitating better family relationships, building social support, reducing loneliness and through this improve health and well-being. More research is needed in this area to understand benefits or potential harms and dynamics between younger family members and older adults in use of social technology.
Role of Social Media in vaccination debate about HPV: the VAC Medi+Board study
Authors: Artus D , Larson H , Kostkova P 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Whilst it has long been known that anti-vaccination sentiment is widely disseminated through digital networks, 2019 has seen seismic shifts in the landscape. As viral videos originating on Youtube spread across social networks, HPV vaccine uptake tumbled in a number of countries. In Japan, the government came under sufficient pressure that they de-recommended HPV vaccine, seeing a 70% uptake rate in 2013 fall below 1%. However, there have been some reports of successful interventions - a recent campaign run by the HPV Alliance in Ireland has seen a rate back up to a national average of around 75%. A combination of hard-hitting personal testimonials, social media and traditional media looked to promote the HPV vaccine.

Methods
Social media platforms such as Twitter enable near real-time understandings of vaccine sentiment and information flows at scale. VAC Medi+Board project developed an innovative approach for Twitter data collection, integration, analysis and visualisation to support rapid responses through identifying key influencers and flashpoints in articles about vaccination going viral.

Results
This pilot study evaluated the debate about HPV on Twitter in a period of several month and developed methods for analysis and visualisation of the content, key influencers, information diffusion throughout the network and size of audience. Through complex network analysis, VAC Medi+Board piloted identification of individuals for targeted public health interventions to combat misinformation.

Conclusions
In this talk, we will present the VAC Medi+Board HPV study and explore the challenges and opportunities that social media can provide for public health policymakers.

Key messages
Analysis and graphical visualisation of HPV debate on Twitter to support targeted public health interventions at real-time. Contributing to better understanding the role of social media in the complex picture of vaccines hesitancy.
ZIKA: improved surveillance and forecast of Zika virus in Brazil
Authors: Kostkova P , Pinheiro dos Santos W , Massoni T 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
The devastating consequences in neonates infected with Zika virus make controlling the spread of the virus and its vectors (Aedes mosquitoes) an urgent challenge. Mobile technology has been successfully used to support routine surveillance of mosquito populations conducted by the community health workers (health agents). Mobile real-time surveillance data also provides a ground truth for calibrating early-warning and prediction systems.

Methods
The ZIKA app supports the health agents in routine surveillance of properties with risk of mosquito breeding, recommends the most optimal route to visit the assigned properties, and includes gamification features, such as badges, to reward healthcare agents for successfully completing the surveillance tasks. Secondly, the project developed a model of the vector population spread using neural networks and artificial intelligence methods combing data from healthcare agents and mosquito ovitraps from the period 2009-2014, with climatic and weather data, calibrated by the real time data from the ZIKA app.

Results
The results from testing sessions demonstrated the app could replace the very time consuming paper-based systems and provide an improved surveillance data available at real time, for seamless reporting to the regional authorities. Using the 2009-2014 dataset, the neural network model successfully predicts mosquito occurrence in the high risk regions of the city of Recife.

Conclusions
The ZIKA mobile app provides a much improved surveillance of the mosquito populations and real-time data for the public health authorities responsible for rapid response. The AI early warning model successfully predicts mosquito populations using healthcare agents data, weather and climatic data.

Key messages
ZIKA project developed a mobile app to improve surveillance of mosquito population in tropical regions of Brazil. ZIKA early warning system, using AI neural networks, has the potential to predict the risk of mosquito populations in high risk urban locations.
Healthcare digital services in Italy: good practices across Regions
Authors: Zuccarino S Z , Guidotti E G , Cassano M C , De Rosis S D R , Ferrè F F 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
In Europe, digital transformation of healthcare is one of the agenda priorities. Institutional websites and mobile applications (APPs) have been increasingly adopted by healthcare organizations for communication and service delivery. This study aims at describing the state of art and the variability of healthcare digitalization in Italy.

Methods
The study focuses on 144 active websites of public healthcare organizations (i.e. Local Health Authorities and Teaching Hospitals) of 11 out of the 21 Regional healthcare systems in Italy. The research investigates whether the healthcare organizations provide e-booking and e-paying for outpatient visits through their website/APP and whether citizens are informed of this opportunity. Researchers independently analyze the websites taking the user’s perspective, by adopting a common grid. Data refers to December 2018.

Results
The majority of items analyzed show a high variability within and among Regions. The provision of online services patients can benefit of change across the same territory. Almost 76% of the LHAs/hospitals allow for e-booking of outpatient visits and e-paying is available for 84% of them. The adoption of APPs for healthcare is not homogenous. Some Regions develop a specific regional tool (e.g. Apulia, Lombardy) providing uniform access to digital services to their resident population while in other Regions, public healthcare providers can implement their own APP (e.g. Liguria, Veneto).

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that centralizing digital services - at least at regional level - can enhance healthcare digitalization in Italy, avoiding jeopardized and unequal provision of digital services. Further research should investigate the actual use of these services by citizens and the reasons of variability.

Key messages
Italy is in delay in digital transformation of healthcare. Our study supports the identification of good regional practices, which could endorse the implementation of future actions.
How aligned are the WHO European Region policy documents to the Sustainable Development Goals?
Authors: Nogales K N , Abrantes A A 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development presents an unprecedented opportunity to apply an ecological perspective in public health. It’s success relays on the capacity to interpret and translate embodied principles into policies and actions. Regional policy document (PDs) guide the actions taken by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Member States. This study aims to explore the alignment between these tools and the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the WHO European Region.

Methods
PDs were identified scanning the contents of the 2015-2018 Sessions of the Regional Committee for Europe - the WHO decision-making body. 17 PDs endorsed during this period were directly included. 39 Progress reports were scanned to find additional valid PDs. The Final list included 32 items. A content analysis of the PDs was used to establish alignment to 64 health-related SDGs targets.

Results
Preliminary results found that each PD aligned to multiple targets within and beyond SDG 3. 24 PDs addressed all targets of SDG 3. A gap within target 3.b was identified (development of medicines and vaccines). Three PDs dealt with health issues outside SDG 3: target 2.1 and 2.2 (end hunger and malnutrition), 15.8 (prevent and reduce the impact of invasive species), and 16.2 (end violence and abuse against children). Five crosscutting PDs aimed to reduce the impact of social, economic and environmental determinants of health on specific population groups, aligning to several targets at the time. Gaps in Target 8.7 (eradicate forced labor) and 14.2 (protect marine and coastal ecosystems) were found.

Conclusions
PDs have the potential of contributing to several targets simultaneously, linking health to diverse aspects of sustainable development. The SDGs open the possibility for multisectoral actions. PDs invite decision-makers to venture into unconventional policy fields to address public health concerns raised by climate change and sustainable development.

Key messages
Policy documents are a valuable instrument to advance the 2030 Agenda as they enjoy the commitment of Member States and guide the action taken by international and national decision makers. The ecological perspective in public health promised by the 2030 Agenda demands actions beyond SDG 3, to address the health dimension of all aspects of sustainable development.
Physical activity and self-perceived health of women in the Province of Vojvodina
Authors: Milijasevic D , Mijatovic Jovanovic V , Susnjevic S , Ukropina S , Tomasevic T 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Introduction
Women suffer from many diseases that are associated with low level of physical activity. The aim of this paper was to estimate the association between physical activity and self- perceived health of women in the Province of Vojvodina.

Methods
Research was conducted as a cross-sectional study on a sample of 1356 women aged 20-65 years in Vojvodina, as a part of the National Health Survey in Serbia, 2013. Physical activity was analysed through 3 domains of physical activity - as leisure time physical activity, walking and cycling for transportation and physical activity at work. Univariate and binary logistic regression was used to estimate the association of poor self-perceived health as dependent variable with 3 domains of physical activity. Multivariate model were adjusted for age, type of settlement, DHS Wealth Index, education and employment status.

Results
One of twelve women was physically active in leisure time 150 minutes and more (8.1%), 50.0% of women walked for transportation 150 minutes and more weekly, while 16.5% cycled 150 minutes and more weekly. Women who never walked for transportation had 9.17 time higher chance to self-perceived their health as poor compared to those who are active 150 minutes and more weekly (OR = 9.17; 95%CI 4.16-20.18), while women who are inactive at work had 1.74 higher chance to self-perceived their health as poor compared to working active women (OR = 1.74; 95%CI 1.14-2.66).

Conclusions
Physical activity at work and in the form of walking for transportation showed as predictors of poor self-perceived health.

Key messages
Regular physical activity can improve womens’ health and help prevent many of the diseases and conditions that are major causes of death and disability for women around the world. Physical activity can contribute to building self-esteem and confidence and can provide a vehicle for social integration and equality for women in society.
European Public Health Master program – public health support worldwide
Authors: Kocot E , Szetela A , Sowada C , Bochenek T , Lecoq M 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
In 2006 a joint European public health master course EuroPubHealth was created by a group of European universities, coordinated by the EHESP in Rennes. The EPH Program is co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.

Objectives
One of the objective of the EPH Program is to support public health development through education of specialists from different parts of the World. To see the scope of this support, the data of candidates and students were analyzed, mainly in terms of their country of origin and background.

Results
A total number of candidates is growing significantly: it was 319 in 2006 and 609 in 2018. In 13 intakes over 5100 candidates from 156 countries applied, 331 of them (from 77 countries) became students. Most of candidates were from Africa (42% in total and 10% from Nigeria only) and Asia (33%). Looking at students’ group the structure is different - 28% students were from Europe and 25% from Asia; Africa took only 10% study places.
The most frequently occurring backgrounds of candidates and students in years 2013-2018 were medicine (over 20%), public health (about 12%) and biological sciences (10% of candidates and 16% of students), but it varied greatly depending on the origin: e.g. there were only 7% of physicians among candidates from USA, and nearly 30% among Africans and Asians. Nearly 20% students had a background not directly related to medicine and biology, so they formed very diverse groups.

Conclusions
Over 70% EPH students came from outside Europe, over 180 public health specialists from Asia, Africa and South America were educated. Now, many of them work on public health development in countries with very high needs in this area, supporting local communities.

Key messages
The EPH Program helps to develop public health on all continents. The interest in education in public health is very big - people interested in education are from very different countries and their background is not always connected directly with human health.
Citizens’ perspectives on genomic sciences and direct-to-consumer genetic tests: systematic reviews
Authors: Hoxhaj I , Stojanovic J , Tognetto A , Sassano M , Calabrò G E , Boccia S 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Past decades have witnessed enormous progress in the field of genetics and genomics, and yet a low level of awareness among general public has been described. Our aim was to explore the general populations’ knowledge, attitudes and behaviors towards genomic sciences, with a focus on direct-to-consumer genetic tests (DTC-GTs). DTC-GTs are genetic tests ordered directly by the public, without the involvement of a healthcare provider.

Methods
Two systematic reviews were conducted related to citizens’ knowledge, attitudes and behaviours. Firstly, we updated the current literature on DTC-GTs by searching PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus and Google Scholar. Studies published in English from October 2014 to January 2019, conducted in Europe were included. Secondly, we searched PubMed, Web of Science and Embase to review English and Italian studies on genomic sciences from 2003 to 2019.

Results
In the systematic review on DTC-GTs, we included six studies from Italy, Greece, Germany, The Netherlands and Switzerland. European citizens had an overall low level of awareness and a very small proportion of them had personal experience with DTC-GTs. More than half of the participants were interested in undergoing a DTC-GT, mainly for knowing the risk predisposition to a common disease such as cancer or cardiovascular disease. Concerns were raised about tests’ validity and utility as well as data privacy. In the systematic review on genomic sciences, 55 studies were included. The data extraction process is still in progress and our preliminary results indicate low levels of awareness on genomics.

Conclusions
Our findings showed that European citizens have a modest level of awareness and a high interest in DTC-GT. Understanding the citizens’ perspectives toward genomic sciences may contribute to the development of educational programs related to their needs.

Key messages
European citizens expressed modest levels of awareness and high levels of interest in DTC-GTs, mainly for knowing the risk predisposition to common diseases. European citizens are concerned with the data privacy and DTC-GT’s validity and utility.
Perceptions of youth healthcare professionals of the concept Positive Health in the Netherlands
Authors: de Bot C M A , van Meerten E , Dierx J A J 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Based on public health professionals’ opinions, Huber et al. (2011) described health as a dynamic concept that has the potential to increase or decrease depending on contextual factors, yet with the broadness as the WHO definition. She proposed defining health ’as the ability to adapt and self-manage, in the light of physical, emotional and social challenges of life’. Healthcare professionals are exploring how the new concept can be further specified for various fields of healthcare. This study examines the perceptions of youth healthcare professionals to Positive Health and to what extent they experience this concept in current working practice.

Methods
A mixed-methods research has been used; both quantitative and qualitative data have been collected. A questionnaire survey (n = 97) has been done and semi-structured interviews (n = 12) have taken place to question youth healthcare professionals in public health about the positive health concept.

Results
Youth healthcare professionals find all the dimensions of positive health important. However, not all dimensions of positive health are suitable in daily practice of youth healthcare professionals in public health. The dimension ’Quality of life’ is seen as the most important dimension in terms of positive health. The concept of positive health can be applied within the workfield of youth healthcare professionals. However, the implementation of new concept should be explored.

Conclusions
This study shows that youth healthcare professionals have a positive attitude towards Positive Health. Youth healthcare professionals consider the all the dimensions important and also embed the aspects of it in their daily practice. However, the implementation of new concept should be explored.

Key messages
The Positive Health concept in youth healthcare care is promising. Positive Health gives a broader look at health.
Health promotion around the birth
Authors: Geene R 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
With the “Child Protection Act” in 2012, the Prevention Law in 2015 and the new health goal ’Health around Birth’ in 2017, the framework conditions for health promotion and prevention in pregnancy have improved. This takes into account the fact that health behavior is essentially determined by embryonic and early childhood experiences in families.

Methods
First: Analyzing the family-related legal regulations by Early Helps and the Prevention Act as well as the health goal “Healthy Birth”; Second: Analyzing data from 153 interviews with socially disadvantaged mothers; Third: Collecting mothers’ impressions (in citations) about physiological, psychological and social coping factors; Fourth: Analyzing conceptually and within different phases of pregnancy (orientation-, self-conception-, subject conception-, anticipation- and birth phase) and postnatal phases (postpartum, family becoming, stabilization and socialization to society) phase-specific prevention needs and potentials identified as well as examples of health promotion.

Results
Pregnancy and becoming a family are associated with different coping requirements, which should be treated specifically according to phases and social conditions. A tailored analysis provides a variety of methods and approaches for health promotion, which can be offered via setting-approaches or in individual counseling and support. They can be described as parts of family health promotion, which should be designed as a joint task of the health service and child and youth welfare as well as other local actors.

Discussion
Family health promotion is a complex challenge for the actors in the care, in the social area and in the control levels. It requires an independent, scientifically justified intervention approach with method programs and institutional assignments.

Key messages
Pregnancy and becoming a family are associated with different coping requirements. It requires an independent, scientifically justified intervention approach with method programs and institutional assignments.