bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Compulsory vaccination policies: a systematic review about knowledge, attitudes and believes
Authors: Voglino G , Gualano M R , Bert F , Olivero E , Corezzi M , Rossello P , Vicentini C , Siliquini R 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Vaccine hesitancy is a considerable issue in European Countries and leads to low coverage rates. Consequently, the implementation of national immunization programmes including the introduction of compulsory vaccination are required. It is interesting to determine citizens’ knowledge, attitudes and believes about vaccination policies, in order to more effectively define vaccination programs.

Methods
The present study systematically reviewed published studies evaluating attitudes towards mandatory vaccination programs. PubMed and Scopus scientific databases were searched and 4,198 results were returned, of these 29 met the inclusion criteria. PRISMA statements were followed.

Results
Twenty-two studies assessed attitudes towards mandatory vaccination programs in general, while 9 papers focused specifically on the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine. Most of the studies were performed in Europe and North America. According to the assessed studies, the majority of the population seems to be in favour of compulsory vaccinations, from 53% to 97% for different vaccination programs. More resistance has been recorded for the HPV vaccination: the percentage of agreement for mandatory HPV vaccinations ranged from 27% to 63.5%. Furthermore, some studies investigated healthcare workers’ attitudes towards childhood and adult vaccinations. They pointed out that the general population is generally more in favour of mandatory vaccination policies than healthcare workers. The studies highlighted that the support to mandatory policies increased after their implementations.

Conclusions
The results presented in this review could be an important starting point to further understand the issue of vaccine hesitancy and support the implementation of effective vaccination strategies in Europe.

Key messages
Mandatory vaccination policies are generally well accepted among general population. More resistance is recorded for specific vaccination (HPV) or among specific population (healthcare workers).
The assessment of students anxiety and depression symptoms, sense of coherence and suicidal risk
Authors: Žulpaitė G , Žilinskas E , Puteikis K , Jakubauskienė M 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
The study measures and compares the rates of anxiety, depression, sense of coherence, subjective health status, suicidal risk among students from 12 universities of Lithuania.

Methods
Six-hundred-fifty-eight students from different academic fields completed a questionnaire that consisted of 23 questions and included Hospital Anxiety and Depression(HAD), Sence of Coherence(SOC-3) scales, suicide risk and subjective health status assessments. The data was analised by Microsoft Excel, R commander and IBM SPSS programmes.

Results
Males had higher depression(p = 0,025), but lower anxiety prevalence(p &lt; 0,001) than females. The total score of depression symptoms subscale (5,min=0,max=19) indicated no risk of depression, although a mild anxiety level was found (the total score is 10,min=0,max=21). Students scored 3 points out of 6 in SOC-3 and evaluated their health for 2 points out of 5. Weak suicide risk was found in 43,2%(n = 284) of all respondents, moderate - 12%(n = 79) and high - 3,2%(n = 21). Students from the field of arts had the highest depression rate(7), whereas those from social sciences had the lowest rate(3)(p &lt; 0,001). Students who live alone during years of study evaluated their health the worst(p = 0,004), had higher risk of depression(p = 0,038), more often felt sadness and apathy during the last 12 months(p = 0,045).

Conclusions
The respondents have mild anxiety symptoms, low sence of coherence, their subjective health status is good. More than half of students had suicidal thoughts. Male gender, academical field of arts, living alone during studies potentially increase the risk of depression, whereas female gender is related with higher anxiety symptoms. This study motivates the universities of Lithuania to strengthen the psychological support for students.

Key messages
The survey unveiled the need for higher education institutes to put more effort on reducing students‘ anxiety levels and it also highlighted the problem of suicide ideation among students. This study motivates the main universities of Lithuania to strengthen the psychological support for students.
Domain-specific physical activity patterns and cardiorespiratory fitness among adults in Germany
Authors: Zeiher J , Duch M , Kroll L E , Mensink G B M , Finger J D , Keil T 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Studies show that occupational physical activity (OPA) has less health-enhancing effects than leisure-time physical activity (LTPA). The spare data available suggests that OPA rarely includes aerobic PAs with little or no enhancing effects on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) as a possible explanation. This study aims to investigate the associations between patterns of OPA and LTPA and CRF among adults in Germany.

Methods
1,204 men and 1,303 women (18-64 years), who participated in the German Health Interview and Examination Survey 2008-2011, completed a standardized sub-maximal cycle ergometer test to estimate maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max). Job positions were coded according to the level of physical effort to construct an occupational PA index and categorized as low vs. high OPA. LTPA was assessed via questionnaires and dichotomized in no vs. any LTPA participation. A combined LTPA/OPA variable was used (high OPA/ LTPA, low OPA/LTPA, high OPA/no LTPA, low OPA/no LTPA). Information on potential confounders was obtained via questionnaires (e.g., smoking and education) or physical measurements (e.g., waist circumference). Multi-variable logistic regression was used to analyze associations between OPA/LTPA patterns and VO2max.

Results
Preliminary analyses showed that less-active men were more likely to have a low VO2max with odds ratios (ORs) of 0.80 for low OPA/LTPA, 1.84 for high OPA/no LTPA and 3.46 for low OPA/no LTPA compared to high OPA/LTPA. The corresponding ORs for women were 1.11 for low OPA/LTPA, 3.99 for high OPA/no LTPA and 2.44 for low OPA/no LTPA, indicating the highest likelihood of low fitness for women working in physically demanding jobs and not engaging in LTPA.

Conclusions
Findings confirm a strong association between LTPA and CRF and suggest an interaction between OPA and LTPA patterns on CRF within the workforce in Germany. Women without LTPA are at high risk of having a low CRF, especially if they work in physically demanding jobs.

Key messages
Women not practicing leisure-time physical activity are at risk of having a low cardiorespiratory fitness, especially if they work in physically demanding jobs. Different impact of domains of physical activity should be considered when planning interventions to enhance fitness among the adult population.
Cognitive function and type of physical activity: results from the FRéLE longitudinal study
Authors: Dupré C , Hupin D , Goumou C , Béland F , Roche F , Célarier T , Bongue B 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Previous cohorts have been notably criticized for not studying the different type of physical activity and not investigating household activities. The objective of this work was to analyse the relation between physical activity and cognitive decline in older people living in community. Impact of type of physical activity on the results has been realised.

Methods
The study used data from the longitudinal and observational study , FrèLE (FRagility: Longitudinal Study of Expressions). The collected data included: socio-demographic variables, lifestyle, and health status (frailty, comorbidities, cognitive status, depression). Cognitive decline was assessed by using: MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination)and MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment). Physical activity was assessed by the PASE (Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly). This tool is structured in three sections: the leisure activity, the domestic activity and the professional activity. Logistic regressions and proportional hazards regression models (Cox) were used to estimate the risk of cognitive disorders.

Results
At baseline, the prevalence of cognitive disorders was 6.9% according to MMSE. In total, 1326 participants without cognitive disorders were included in the analysis. The mean age was 77.4 years, and 52.1% of the participants were women. After a 2 years long follow-up, we found cognitive disorders on 92 participants (6.9%). Physical activity at baseline is lower in older adults for whom cognitive decline was observed after two years of follow-up. Subclass analyses showed that leisure and domestic activities were associated to cognitive decline, but not professional activities.

Conclusions
Analysis showed a relationship between cognitive disorders and type of physical activity. The current study will be completed by the MoCA for mild cognitive impairment. These findings compared to other ongoing studies will contribute to the debate on the beneficial effects of physical activity on cognition.

Key messages
The work allowed us to analyze the link between the different types of physical activity and mild to severe cognitive disorders. The aim is to put in place preventive policies of aging. The work allowed us to see the effect of the different types of physical activity and the impact of the statistical method on the results.
Effects of a behavioural approach on lifestyle habits: a before-after interventional study
Authors: Guberti E , Navacchia P , Marzocchi R , Bonaccorsi G , Cavallo G , Lorini C 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

The study aimed to offer a path of empowerment to promote adherence to healthy diets and physical activity for cancer prevention,according to the recommendations of the World Cancer Research Fund (2007): 5 servings per day of fruit / vegetables, protective food (EVO, green tea, cruciferous, turmeric, dried fruit), practicing at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity.
Participants were volunteers between 18 - 70 years old divided in groups of 25/30 people. They followed a course of 7 theoretical and practical meetings (lifestyles, resilience and cooking workshops) and they signed a contract to comply with the promoted habits, which were verified through questionnaires administered during the engagement phase (T0), three months after the beginning of the course (T1) and one year after (T2).
Six editions (2014-2017) were made for a total of 153 subjects involved (75% women, average age 54 years old). Of these, 116 eligible subjects (76%) were also evaluated at T1 and 63 volunteers (41.7%) at T2. With respect to the dropped out rate, 24% of the subjects left the study prior T1, while 45% of volunteers left it prior T2. The established goal (40% expected target) was accomplished and excided the expectation, since more than 80% of the subjects involved at T1 achieved an improvement in healthy diet (increased consumption of vegetables and fruit, daily consumption of at least one food with antioxidant action) and physical activity (at least 30 minutes a day).
Furthermore the 77% of T1 compliants (50% expected goal) retained healthy eating and healthy motor behaviors even after a year (T2).
The proposed path of empowerment positively affected nutrition and promotion of physical activity at 3 months after the intervention (T1) and were maintained even after a year. The latter result was partly scale down by a high drop out. The path of empowerment, appropriately adapted, can complete the diagnostic therapeutic pathways for breast cancer and colon cancer survivors.

Key messages
People are easier involved in empowerment paths aimed at fighting a single disease, for example cancer, but good results can be achieved simultaneously for all non-communicable diseases. Motivational communication for healthy eating, physical activity and stress prevention must become an integral part of the therapeutic diagnostic pathways of cancers and non-communicable diseases.
Solidarity in genomic healthcare? Results of the Belgian citizen forum (2018)
Authors: Mayeur C , Van Hoof W 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Genomic medicine requires to collect and use a huge amount of patient and citizen data. Therefore, the Belgian Minister of Public Health decided to organize a citizen forum on the ethical, legal and societal issues (ELSI) surrounding the use of genomic information in healthcare. This initiative follows the trend of public involvement in Europe regarding ELSI in genomics.
During three weekends, a panel of 32 citizens, informed by experts of different backgrounds, produced political recommendations. We will focus on their conception of solidarity, which is crucial to take into account when considering policies on data sharing in genomics.
Citizens of the panel consider their genome simultaneously as the individual’s property and as something to be shared for the common good. As a consequence, the panel agrees to support solidarity provided individual interests, such as privacy protection, are respected. By solidarity, the panel means supporting genomic data sharing for the common good, which they define as scientific research that improves knowledge (on both prevention and diagnostics) to build a fair society where everyone has an equal opportunity to live healthy.
According to the panel, the government should actively encourage citizens to share their genomic data, but no one can be forced to do it. For instance, the government could motivate citizens to share their genomic data by partially reimbursing genomic tests undertaken without medical prescription. However, because everyone has an equal right to live healthy, the panel esteems that genomic tests for medical needs should be accessible for all, thanks to a well-thought-out and sustainable refund system.

Key messages
Citizens support solidarity in genomic medicine, but demand proportional individual protection. As citizens become increasingly important stakeholders in genomic medicine, all public authorities should actively engage citizens in relevant healthcare policies.
Skills building seminar: Environmental Burden of Disease: methods and applications
Authors:   Organised by: Sciensano Chair persons: Brecht Devleesschauwer - Belgium
Published: November 2019

Abstract

There is an increasing body of evidence showing that environmental risk factors can cause illness and death. For example, particulate matter triggers lung cancer and noise increases the risk of heart attack. Consequently, governments worldwide should aim to mitigate the negative health effects of environmental exposures. The concept of Environmental Burden of Disease (EBD) aims to quantify the number of illnesses and deaths associated with various environmental risk factors, as well as the health benefits of potential prevention and mitigation measures. Current EBD studies commonly use the Disability-Adjusted Life Year (DALY) metric as a common currency for integrating the effects of ill health and premature death, thereby facilitating the comparison of the burden of various environmental risk factors amongst each other and with other risk factors.
The EBD approach has been used since the 1990s, spearheaded by the World Health Organization. However, even today, the approach is not yet commonly adopted across Europe, mainly because of a lack of capacity. At the same time, the EBD approach remains in full development, trying to adapt to the current state of research. The overall aim of this skills building seminar is therefore to a) create awareness of the EBD approach, and b) to present and discuss current methodologies and future developments.
The skills building seminar consists of four presentations. In the first presentation, the history and general methodological framework of the EBD approach will be outlined. Next, three presentations will present EBD case studies. These presentations will explain in a didactic, step-by-step way how the estimates were produced, and how technical challenges were addressed. Finally, ample time will be foreseen to discuss methodologies, challenges, possible solutions, and future collaborations to increase EBD capacity within Europe.

Key messages
Participants will gain insights in the use, strengths and weaknesses of the Environmental Burden of Disease approach. Participants will develop an understanding of current Environmental Burden of Disease methodology.
Time to use of primary health care after being informed about increased health risk in HUNT
Authors: Toch-Marquardt M , Pape K , Carlsen F , Bjørngaard J H 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Seeing a general practitioner (GP) after first discovering conditions related to ill health is important for the prevention or timely treatment of major diseases. Receiving information about increased health risk, e.g. from participating in a health study, might increase awareness and trigger a visit to the GP. The question is: Do people allocated in different socioeconomic (SE) groups respond differently to receiving information about increased health risk? This could indirectly increase socioeconomic inequalities in health. In this study we are aiming to analyse patterns of GP contact after being informed that measurements from the HUNT study had deviant values suggesting increased health risk.

Methods
We use data from several Norwegian national registries which were linked to the HUNT study (The Nord-Trøndelag Health Study). Cox-proportional hazard models as well as repeated measurement models are estimated in order to explore patterns of GP contact. Health exposures are: measured high blood pressure (BP) (systolic and diastolic), high blood glucose, high serum cholesterol. SE status is measured through educational attainment (low, medium, high).

Preliminary results
In the analysis for GP contact within a year after HUNT, we had information on 42,581 persons, with 295,188 contacts with primary health service. In our data 8% had clinical measurements indicating high BP (160/100), 60% had high serum cholesterol levels (5,2 mmol/L) and 3% had high blood glucose levels ( &gt; =9 mmol/L). Women in the lowest social group generally used less time to see their GP than both higher educational groups. For men this was less clear cut.

Conclusions
We aimed to analyse SE differences in response to receiving information about increased health risk. The analysis thus far suggests that women in lower SE groups see their GP a relatively short time after being informed. This is less clear cut for men. Further analysis will shed further light on utilisation patterns.

Key messages
Women in lower SE groups take less time to see a GP after being informed of increased health risk. SE differences in primary health care utilisation might be less clear cut than previously suggested.
Migration intentions among Polish physicians - the profile of a potential migrant
Authors: Domagała A , Dubas-Jakóbczyk K 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Polish physicians migration has become a subject of interest in the context of current shortage of medical staff. The exact scale of migration is unknown due to insufficient data. The main goals of the study were to: 1) evaluate the scale of migration intentions among doctors working in Polish hospitals, 2) identify the key predictors and barriers of migration, 3) investigate an association between doctors satisfaction and their tendency to migrate.

Methods
A quantitative, on-line survey of doctors working in Polish hospitals was conducted between March and June, 2018. 15 cross-nationally distributed hospitals (7 general, 5 specialist, 3 university) were included in the study. The statistical analyses included: associations between the intention to migrate and demographic characteristics as well as work-related variables and overall satisfaction. Simple and multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine which variables are significant predictors of the intention to migrate.

Results
1.003 questionnaires were analyzed (response rate: 38%). 273 respondents declared the intention to migrate, including 45 (4.5%) answering ‘definitely yes’ and 228 (22.7%) ‘probably yes’. Men more often considered the option to migrate: 5.2% answered ‘definitely yes’ and 26.3% ‘probably yes’ in comparison to 3.7% and 19.0% respectively for females (p = 0.02). Childless physicians more often considered the option to migrate than those with kids (9.0% answered ‘definitely yes’ and 33.1% ‘rather yes’ vs 2.4% and 17.8%, respectively, p &lt; 0.001). Almost 62% of doctors with the intention to migrate considered a temporary stay abroad. 70% of respondents indicated ‘leaving family’ as main migration barrier.

Conclusions
The intention to migrate is related to socio-demographic factors (gender, age, marital status, having children) and work-related factors (work experience, working hours). The intention to migrate is negatively related to physician satisfaction.

Key messages
The main reasons for the intention to migrate are: higher earnings abroad, better working conditions, the ability to achieve better work-life balance and better training opportunities. In Poland a holistic, systemic approach to health workforce planning should be implemented, including monitoring migration trends and improving working conditions.
Case study: HCV micro-elimination in prison
Authors: Meroueh F 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
The presentation will explore the concept of HCV micro-elimination in prison settings end its application in the context of French prisons. Hepatitis C is a chronic pathology of the liver and can significantly affect quality of life, with significant mortality rates. Hepatitis C is of great relevance for prison population due to the overlap of risk factors for both incarceration and HCV infection, including substance use disorders. Historically, HCV interferon-based therapy has not always been offered to people in prison due to various factors, including homelessness, active injecting drug use, and liver disease. With the advent of direct-acting antivirals, almost 100% of patients are experiencing successful HCV treatment, with no medical contra-indication for incarcerated individuals, drug users and/or individuals on opioid substitution treatment. Approaches based on HCV test and treat have proven to be successful in prison settings to achieve micro-elimination and to offer HCV appropriate care to individuals belonging to socially-deprived groups and characterised by limited access to care when in the community. The elimination of hepatitis C in prison, among people who use drugs, also requires effective Harm Reduction programmes, an important tool to prevent re-infections.