bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The potential role of diet on mental health outcomes in a Mediterranean cohort
Authors: Godos J , Currenti W , Micek A 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
The prevalence of mental and sleep disorders is rising globally generating great costs to medical health care and several modifiable risk factors, including diet, has been recognized as major contributors. An escalation of overnutrition as a consequence of the transition from traditional dietary patterns, like Mediterranean diet, in favor to Western-like dietary patterns, rich in high-calorie processed and ultra-processed foods and deprived from bioactive components, has been observed.

Methods
The demographic and dietary habits of 2044 adults living in southern Italy were analyzed. Food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) were used to assess dietary intake and adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Polyphenol content in foods was estimated using the Phenol-Explorer database. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), while cognitive status using the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to test the associations.

Results
Higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet was significantly associated with adequate sleep quality and inversely associated with impaired cognitive status. When considering bioactive components of the Mediterranean diet, a significant inverse association between a higher dietary intake of lignans and inadequate sleep quality was found. Similarly, a significant inverse association between higher dietary intake of total flavonoids and impaired cognitive status was observed.

Conclusions
The evidence indicates that diet Mediterranean diet together with its bioactive components may exert plausible effects toward cognitive health and sleep quality. There is a need to translate this evidence and to advocate healthy dietary practices as strategies for the prevention of these disorders.

Key messages
Higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet rich in bioactive compounds is recognized as healthy dietary practice associated with mental and sleep disorders. Dissemination of the benefits of adherence to the Mediterranean may contribute to the control of the rising prevalence of mental and sleep disorders.
Awareness and approaches of medical doctors and veterinarians on One Health concept
Authors: Ozguler Z , Aslan D 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
One Health examines health relationships between humans, animals, and ecosystems, but there is a lack of implementation of the concept in health sciences. Medical doctors and veterinarians have crucial roles in improving both the concept and its practices. Therefore, we aimed to understand their awareness, approaches, and recommendations for improvement.

Methods
For this descriptive study, data were collected in two subsections. Quantitative data were collected through a form sent via email to members of Ankara Chamber of Medicine and Ankara Chamber of Veterinarians between 24 February and 24 April 2020. The quantitative data on both chambers' board of directors' opinions were obtained through semi-structured interviews on 13 and 22 June 2020.

Results
A total of 295 people (74 medical doctors, 221 veterinarians) completed the questionnaire. Most of the doctors (63.5%) and few of the veterinarians (6.3%) had not heard of the concept (p &lt; 0.001). Majority of the veterinarians (7.3%) and a few of the doctors (35.1%) applied the concept (p &lt; 0.001); however, they expressed its usefulness for the health promotion and prevention steps. Although they generally thought that various disciplines and sectors were related to the concept, they had not cooperated with them. Majority of the doctors (95.9%) and veterinarians (71.5%) did not receive any training on One Health (p &lt; 0.001). We also inquired about doctors' and veterinarians' views and suggestions for implementing One Health on components such as scientific research, surveillance, clinical practice, education, health policies, and roles of both medical associations. Proposed views were promising to create collaborative work to advocate One Health approach.

Conclusions
We communicated recommendations to integrate the concept into curriculums, create joint training, research, and prioritize cooperation. We planned a panel meeting to discuss the realization of further steps to improve awareness and practice.

Key messages
There is a demand by medical doctors and veterinarians for implementing the One Health approach to health-related education and training, surveillance systems, and policies. Medical doctors and veterinarians need collaborative One Health platforms, including other professionals, for information sharing, joint research, prevention, and health promotion practices.
The knowledge exchange and dissemination plan of the We Can Quit2 community-based stop-smoking trial
Authors: Castello S , Darker C , Vance J , Buckley E , Reynolds C , Cronin N , Dougall N , Devane D , Bauld L , Hayes CB 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
We Can Quit2 was a community-based randomised controlled trial which determined the feasibility and acceptability of We Can Quit (WCQ), a peer delivered stop-smoking programme comprising group support and free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) tailored to women living in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas in Ireland. Reengagement with key stakeholders took place as part of the trial Knowledge Exchange and Dissemination plan, to discuss strategies to optimise community engagement, recruitment and retention in a future definitive trial (DT), and the policy priorities arising from the trial.

Methods
Community stakeholders involved in trial recruitment and planning, Irish Cancer Society and Health Service Executive representatives were invited to an online interactive workshop in November 2020. Key trial findings were presented. Workshop discussion (field notes) and responses to a post-event anonymous questionnaire informed a list of challenges and suggestions for a future DT and policy development from a community perspective.

Results
Forty-one stakeholders attended the workshop, six completed the questionnaire. Dedicated additional time for community engagement and use of social prescribing as a recruitment tool were recommended. Greater adaptation of trial data and assistance to complete forms were suggested to address low literacy, which was a barrier to recruitment and retention. An intervention boost after WCQ delivery and encouragement of women to join other healthy community programmes to maintain their group, were recommended to facilitate retention and enhance sustainability. Policy priorities were to remove cost and administrative barriers to access NRT and ongoing provision of cessation services tailored to disadvantaged groups.

Conclusions
Important strategies to optimise design of a DT of WCQ effectiveness were recommended. Lessons learned may be relevant to other community-based health interventions in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas.

Key messages
The workshop provided a suitable forum for engagement of community and statutory stakeholders. Knowledge exchange activities facilitated an enhanced research design from a community perspective.
Impact of State of Emergency Declaration for COVID-19 on Cancer Screening Behavior in Japan
Authors: Takahashi H , Machii R 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Status of cancer screening behavior is changing due to the effects of the state of emergency for Covid-19 in Japan. Based on data from three medical institutions that provide cancer screening throughout Japan, we compared the number of examinees undergoing cancer screening by month in 2019 and 2020. From April to May 2020, the number of examinees decreased by about 50-80% compared to the previous year, but after June, recovered to the same level as previous year. In addition, the number of examinees undergoing resident cancer screening tended to decrease more than that of occupational screening. The causes of the decrease are 1. examinee was wary of the risk of infection at the examination site. 2. medical institution postponed cancer screening because the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare issued a notice to refrain from endoscopy, which is less urgent. 3. It was considered that the municipalities that carried out the examinations were wary of the spread of the infection and postponed or canceled the recommendation of the cancer screening.

Key messages
Declaration of emergency has reduced the number of cancer screening examinees. Impact on cancer mortality will be an issue for the future.
In-hospital mortality in COVID-19 vs. pre-COVID-19 era in the Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia
Authors: Marasovic Šušnjara I 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic marked 2020 with numerous consequences for the health of the population. Therefore, this study aimed to explore whether the COVID-19 pandemic affected in-hospital mortality.

Methods
We employed a cross-sectional comparative study using two different time periods, pre-COVID-19 (2019 year) and COVID-19 era (2020 year) to explore possibilities of COVID-19 influences in-hospital mortality in Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia. The research used data from the national information system on hospitalizations from the Clinical Hospital Center Split, University Hospital Split. The indicators were statistically analyzed. The z-score test for two population proportions is used.

Results
In 2020, there was a significantly higher in-hospital mortality compared to 2019 (z = 9.0827; p &lt; 0.00001), which was supported by a significant increase in mortality from respiratory diseases according to the comparison of disease categories of International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) (z = 9.0427; p &lt; 0.00001). Within hospital departments, significantly higher mortality was in the Intensive Care Unit (z = 5.2763; p &lt; 0.00001) and the Infectious Diseases Department (z = 9.6982; p &lt; 0.00001). Among deaths in 2020 with confirmed COVID-19, there were significantly more positive among deaths from respiratory diseases (z=-17.4462; p &lt; 0.00001). There was no difference in mortality rates between 2020 and 2019 by age.

Conclusions
The results of the study indicate that COVID-19 has a contribution to hospital mortality. Given that the pandemic has not yet completed additional research, it will be necessary to obtain a more complete picture of the impact of COVID-19 on hospital mortality in Split-Dalmatia County, as well as in other regions and countries.

Key messages
The results of the study indicate that COVID-19 has a contribution to hospital mortality. Given that the pandemic has not yet completed additional research, it will be necessary to obtain a more complete picture of the impact of COVID-19 on hospital mortality.
Factors associated with physicians' decision making during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Bord S , Sharabani S , Admi H 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Frontline medical staff, combating the Covid-19 pandemic are forced to make clinical and behavioral decisions daily. Their decision-making process and the factors associated with it, are of utmost importance in preserving and supporting their own health and their patient's health.

Aims
Tto explore the factors associated with physicians' decision-making during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Israel

Methods
Cross- sectional data were collected among 200 physicians at the Israeli health care system between March and May 2020 via an online questionnaire. A multiple hierarchical regression was calculated to assess the contribution of the study variables to the physicians' decision making.

Results
Most physicians reported that they complied with hygiene guidelines at work, issued by the Israeli ministry of health (MOH), fully (42%) or very often (31%), and with the MOH COVID-19 behavior guidelines fully (27%), very often (34%), or in general (23%). According to the study

Results
trust, positive emotions, perception of COVID-19 threat, and risk perceptions were found significant and positive. In other words, higher trust, more positive emotions, and perceptions of greater threat and risk, were associated with higher compliance with the MOH guidelines and more cautious decision making.

Conclusions
While threat and risk perceptions may be inevitable during the pandemic, trust and positive emotions may act as protective factors, encouraging cautious decision making among physicians.

Key messages
Physicians' decision making is a complex process affected by their perceptions, emotions, and trust levels. High levels of trust and positive emotions may facilitate carful decision making.
The impact of COVID-19 on satisfaction with social contacts
Authors: Van den Houte N , Van der Heyden J 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
The corona crisis caused many countries to instruct their citizens to stay at home and engage in “social distancing” to reduce the infection rate. This has caused a drastic change to our lifestyle and social contacts. This study investigates the impact of the corona crisis on the satisfaction of social contacts in Belgium.

Methods
Study participants included a subsample of adults aged ≥18 years (n = 510) of the Belgian health interview survey 2018, who also participated in a follow-up study in July 2020. Information on satisfaction with social contacts was measured twice with the same instrument. A multilevel logistic regression was used to analyse how the proportion of participants indicating they are unsatisfied with their social contacts had changed over time.

Results
Between 2018 and July 2020 the prevalence of being unsatisfied with social contacts increased from 10.0% to 19.0%. We observed important differences in the change in this indicator between the 3 Belgian regions. A significant increase was observed in Flanders (OR 3.6; 95% CI 1.8-7.1) and Brussels (OR 3.0; 95% CI 1.2-7.5), whereas this was not the case in Wallonia (OR 1.1; 95% CI 0.5-2.5). No relation was observed with age, gender and education. Strictly respecting the measures about the social bubble was inversely related with being unsatisfied with social contacts (OR 0.5; 95%CI 0.2-0.9).

Conclusions
There is a substantial increase in people being unsatisfied with their social contacts during the COVID-19 pandemic in Belgium. Regional variations could be related to cultural factors in the way the crisis was perceived, but were not explained by differences in non-compliance of the “social bubble”-rule.

Key messages
Social health is considered as a protective element for public health. Understanding those changes could help to guide public health policies. Further research is needed to study how social contacts evolve during this COVID crisis and which factors have an impact on this.
The fear of Covid-19 and its predictive factors among health care workers in Mahdia Tunisia
Authors: Omri N , Mlouki I , Sfar H , Ben Youssef F , El Mhamdi S 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
The massive spread of the corona virus being relatively deadly, leads to psychological pressures dominated by an atmosphere of panic and worries mainly among Health Care workers (HCWs). Only few studies have evaluated this impact on HCWs mental health in Tunisia.

Aim
we aimed at determining the prevalence of corona virus fear and its associated factors among HCWs in the University Hospital Tahar Sfar Mahdia (Tunisia).

Methods
We conducted a cross sectional study among HCWs staff in the University Hospital Tahar Sfar Mahdia which is located in the Central-East part of Tunisia in December 2020. The fear of corona virus disease was assessed using the valid French version of the Fear of Covid-19 Scale (FCV-7).

Results
A total of 173 professionals were recruited with a mean age of 35.35 ± 9.31 years. Among them, 66% were women. One third of participants (33.3%) were medical professionals. Almost, 68% have experienced a high level of fear. Our survey showed a significantly higher level of fear among females 70.1% and elderly people 60.8%. It was positively associated (p &lt; 0.05) with anxiety and depression, high risk perception and the responsibility degree of being a virus vector for their loved ones. Anxiety and depression disorders (standardized β = 3.118, CI = 0.545-5.832,p=0.018), high risk perception (β = 3.321,CI = 0.097-6.545, p = 0.044), knowledge about Covid-19 transmission (β = 2.586, CI = 0.439-4.734, p = 0.019), degree of responsibility (β = 3.130, CI = 0.373-5.887, p = 0.026), being a doctor (β = -6.475, CI = -8.785- -4.165, p = 0.001) and Perceived Vulnerability to Disease (β = 0.26,CI = 0.157-0.363, p &lt; 001) were found to be predictive factors of corona virus fear in the linear regression model (Adjusted R2 = 0.374).

Conclusions
Authorities should introduce a preventive strategy based on psychological intervention for HCWs to overcome their fear and worries.

Key messages
The high prevalence of the fear of Covid-19 among health care workers is alarming. Its impact on mental health cannot be ignored. The health authorities worldwide should not have as objective only the reduction of the transmission, but also the work on individual fears to ensure a society totally free of covid-19.
Knowledge,attitudes and practices of protective equipment use during the outbreak, Mahdia (Tunisia)
Authors: Ben Youssef F , Mlouki I , Omri N , Sfar H , El Mhamdi S 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Introduction
Health workers, as the first line of defence during infectious pandemic, are also one of the main vectors of coronavirus transmission. Preventing the spread of infection to and from caregivers relies on the effectiveness of personal protective equipment (PPE). This study aimed at assessing knowledge, attitudes and practices related to PPE use in a healthcare setting in the region of Mahdia (Tunisia).

Methods
A cross-sectional study was carried out on December 2020 among health care professionals (HCP) in the University Hospital Tahar Sfar Mahdia. The measurement tool was developed by specialists at the Department of Preventive Medicine after reviewing literature then pretested.

Results
A total of 173 HCP were enrolled with an average age of 35 ±9.3 years. More than half of participants were females (64.7%), 32.9% were doctors and 34.7% were nurses. Among them, 35.8% have worked during a pandemic before. The level of good knowledge was 52%. The main sources of information for HCP were the Ministry of Health (63.6%), social network and media (58.4%). About 25.4% of HCP was satisfied by the preventive measures training received in the hospital. Half of HCP (54.3%) admitted that their knowledge related to the pandemic was not sufficient. While third of the HCP (31.8%) thought that it is necessary to wear the full PPE, 16.8% knew how to put on their PPE and 27.2% knew how to take it off.

Conclusions
Taking into account knowledge, attitudes and practices related to PPE use allows the implementation of a strategy aimed at mastering the management of this equipment by health care workers.

Key messages
Assessing the Knowledge, attitudes and practices related to the personal equipment among health care givers: 52%. Implementation of a strategy aimed at mastering the management of this equipment by health care workers.
Perceived vulnerability to Covid-19 among health care workers in a Tunisian University Hospital
Authors: Omri N , Mlouki I , Sfar H , Ben Youssef F , El Mhamdi S 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Health Care workers (HCWs) are constantly on the front line during the current pandemic, facing a permanent influx of patients with a significant risk of viral contamination. Our study aimed at estimating the corona virus disease high risk perception and evaluating determinant factors of the perceived vulnerability to Covid-19 among HCWs in the region of Mahdia (Tunisia).

Methods
We conducted a cross sectional study among HCWs in the University Hospital Tahar Sfar Mahdia in Tunisia in December 2020. The perceived vulnerability to disease was assessed using the validated perceived vulnerability to disease scale (PVDS).

Results
A total of 173 professionals were recruited with a mean age of 35.35 ± 9.4 years. Among them, 66% were women. One third of participants (33.3%) were doctors. The majority of them (86%) have experienced a high level of risk perception. The older HCWs (p = 0.04), the nursing personnel (p = 0.02), as well as, those with pre-existing chronic diseases (p = 0.04) perceived greater vulnerability to Covid-19. It was also significantly associated (p = 0.01) with undressing faults. Being older (standardized β = 0.193, CI = 0.601-7.707, p = 0.003), having pre-existing chronic diseases (β = 0.184, CI = 0.478-8.888, p = 0.05), high risk perception (β = 0.162, CI= -0.087-10.47, p = 0.02) and undressing faults (β = 0.224, CI = 0.582-1.306, p = 0.008), were found to be the determinant factors of the perceived vulnerability to disease PVD in a multivariate linear logistic regression model (adjusted R2=0.129).

Conclusions
Perceived vulnerability to Covid-19 is mainly manifested by an atmosphere of fear of getting infected, but also by compliance with barrier measures. This fact is aligned with health authorities's strategies to ensure a society totally free of Covid-19.

Key messages
During the current Covid-19 pandemic the majority of health care workers worldwide have experienced a high level of risk perception which negatively impacts their mental health. Health care workers must be provided with the personal protective equipment PPE essential to protect themselves against the Covid-19 transmission.
Assessing the impact of COVID-19 pandemic in vulnerable social groups in Athens, Greece
Authors: Roussos S , Anagnostou O , Detsi I , Kokolesis E , Malliori M , Kalamitsis G , Sypsa V , Hatzakis A 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
The first case of SARS-CoV-2 in Greece was identified in February 2020. During the COVID-19 pandemic two lockdowns took place (March-May 2020/November 2020-ongoing). People who use drugs (PWUD), as well as the homeless, constitute vulnerable social groups. The main aim of this study is to assess the impact of social distancing measures during the COVID-19 pandemic on these groups.

Methods
A program was implemented in Athens between December 2020 and January 2021 in a sample of PWUD and homeless recruited both in Substitution Treatment Units and the Homeless Shelters. The interview was conducted with a structured questionnaire.

Results
The study included 303 participants (215 PWUD and 88 homeless individuals (HI)). The mean (SD) age was 49.2 (9.7) and 61.9 (10.2) years for PWUD and HI respectively. Chronic hepatitis C was reported by 33% of PWUD and 1.1% of HI. HIV infection was reported in 9.3% of PWUD. Testing for SARS-CoV-2 was reported by 55% and 100% of PWUD and HI respectively; 0.8% of PWUD and 5.7% of HI were found positive. Compliance with individual measures against SARS-CoV-2 was reported to be high (98-100%) during lockdowns. 88.8% and 98.9% of PWUD and HI reported change in the quality life. Feelings of isolation were reported by 46.6% and 11.5% on PWUD and HI, respectively. PWID enrollment in OST programmes during the 1st and 2nd lockdown was 67.1% and 92.9% respectively. OST attendees did not report changes in treatment during lockdowns. Access to hygiene materials was 9.8% and 100% in 1st and 2nd lockdown. Access to drugs was high (91.5% and 94.3%) in both lockdowns. The illegal drug use as compared to regular use was increased 12.2%/14.3%, decreased 40.2%/40%, stable 47.6%/45.7% for 1st/2nd lockdown respectively.

Conclusions
The population studied is well-aware and compliant with the prevention measures against COVID-19 with access to frequent laboratory testing, low levels of SARS-CoV-2 and access to prevention materials.

Key messages
Among PWUD the OST services provision was stable. Provision of antiseptics was higher during the 2nd lockdown while changes in drug use were similar during the 1st and 2nd lockdown. Limitation: This study does not assess PWUD with limited access to OST and HI living in the streets.