bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship between Climate Change and Health Sector Planning
Authors: Brueske A , Quentin W 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Climate change and its impact on the environment will have negative effects on health worldwide. National health strategies and plans (NHSPs) play an essential role in defining the future of a country's health system. It remains unknown whether and how NHSPs take climate change and related health risks into account and if this is done by countries that are most affected by climate change. This study aims (1) to understand the content of NHSPs with regard to climate change, (2) to assess the characteristics of countries with NHSPs that take climate change into account and (3) to analyze the factors that influence countries addressing climate change in NHSPs. NHSPs from 101 countries were studied. Keyword searches of NHSPs were used to identify concepts linked to climate change and related health risks. NHSPs were classified into red (no consideration of climate change), yellow (discussion of climate issues) and green (yellow + discussion of adaptation strategies). Two logistic regression models were conducted to analyze the relationship between NHSP categorization and potential explanatory factors, such as wealth (GNI/capita), Climate Risk, Climate Vulnerability or Climate Change-related Health Risk. Climate change is addressed in 66 NHSPs but only 38 NHSPs propose adaptation strategies (green category). African and low-income countries tend to address climate change in their NHSPs more frequently than high-income countries. The regression analysis found that NHSPs are more likely to address climate change (green and yellow) if countries face a higher degree of climate risk and climate vulnerability. No statistically significant association was found for climate change-related health risk and gross national income. Only about one third of all analyzed NHSPs discussed both the effects of climate change and potential adaptation measures. Climate change is addressed mostly by NHSPs of countries strongly affected by climate change.

Key messages
NHSPs could potentially provide strategic direction for health systems to adapt to climate change. NHSPs of many countries do not discuss how to adapt the health system to climate change.
Developing a Frailty Index and investigating its psychometric properties using Item Response Theory
Authors: Kleinenberg-Talsma N , van der Lucht F , Jager-Wittenaar H , Krijnen WP , Finnema EJ 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
The proportion of frail older adults is increasing and is expected to further increase in the coming years, both globally and in the Dutch population. This poses a great challenge to public health. To determine the prevalence of frailty in a population, a frailty index (FI) is recommended. A FI is an accumulation model encompassing health deficits in multiple domains. Previous research has shown that a FI can be created out of existing health surveys, since it is a flexible instrument, fairly insensitive to the use of specific items. However, this is based on scale development using Classical Test Theory, while few studies have investigated the psychometric properties of their FI using Item Response Theory (IRT). The aim of this study was to create a FI using the Dutch Health Monitor 2016, and to investigate its psychometric properties using Item Response Theory (IRT).

Methods
Forty-two deficits were selected in three health domains, i.e., physical, psychological, and social. Psychometric properties were investigated by using an IRT model for polytomous response categories: the Graded Response Model (GRM). Items were evaluated by Cronbach's Alpha, Factor Analysis, Point Polyserial Correlations, and GRM.

Results
The analyses showed that all items demonstrated a positive association with the scale. However, five items did not fit well to the FI scale. From the physical domain these were body mass index and three items about adherence to physical activity guidelines: moderate activity per week; bone and muscle strengthening activities; balance exercises. From the psychological domain this was an item about a sense of control over one's own future.

Conclusions
By using IRT, we showed that while 37 items were adequate and fitted the scale well, five items in our FI were redundant, indicating that it does matter which items are selected for a FI. IRT is a strong method for item selection and thus for creating a more concise Frailty Index.

Key messages
Creating a solid and more concise Frailty Index with IRT is promising for epidemiological research and public health. For creating a Frailty Index, item selection needs careful consideration.
Knowledge, Attitudes and Skills of Emergency Healthcare Workers in Pandemic with Simulated Case
Authors: Caliskan Pala S , Metintas S , Ozakın E , Pala VG 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Pandemic is a major global health threat in the present and the future as in the past. As Pre-Hospital Emergency Healthcare Workers (PHE-HCW) are at the front-line of pandemic, they should be well-equipped. The study was aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and skills of PHE-HCW about pandemic preparedness.

Methods
This cross-sectional study conducted on 202 PHE-HCW selected by random sampling in Eskisehir. Of 40.6% the study group consisted of paramedic graduates of associate degree and 59.4% of emergency medical technicians (EMT) graduated from vocational high schools. A total of 111 cases were developed using the template of events for applied and critical healthcare simulation. The green (minor injuries), yellow (non-life-threatening injuries) and red (life-threatening injuries) coded COVID-19 positive cases were used to evaluate the simulated case scores of each participant. Each scenario consists of 6 steps (infection control measures, patient history-examination, medical treatment, diagnosis, communication, and delivering the patient to the healthcare institution) and 20 questions (min:0, max:40 points). The score that could be obtained according to the number of questions in the steps was standardized.

Results
Of 62.4% the study group was female and the mean age (SD) was 29.2 (5.5). The mean score (SD) that the study group had from the cases was 28.5 (5.6) in a green cases, 28.9 (5.6) in yellow cases, and 25.7 (6.5) in red cases.The mean score was lower in the red cases. Male than female (p = 0.001), paramedics than EMTs (p = 0.009) and those with 2-3 years of working time than those with one year of working time scored higher (p = 0.023). None of the participants obtained a full score in any of the steps, the highest score step was infection control measures (1.56), while the lowest score was medical treatment (1.27).

Conclusions
PHE-HCW have deficiencies at all steps, most notably at the medical treatment step.

Key messages
Pre-hospital healthcare workers’ pre-graduate education and professional experiences have an positive impact on their knowledge, attitudes and skills regarding the pandemic. In order to increase the pandemic preparedness in pre-hospital healthcare workers intensive training should be given in the first year of their professional life and its continuity should be provided.
Quality of life, stress and burnout of mothers of autistic children – the case of Latvia
Authors: Tzivian L , Degiannis JR , Grigorjeva M , Bite I , Folkmanis V 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Caring for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) demands constant parental attention to all life activities. Mothers of children with ASD experience higher stress levels comparing to mothers of developmentally intact children. That can increase parental burnout, and inversely affect their quality of life (QOL). In addition, those living in East Europe suffer from lack of appropriate support. The study aims to investigate the association between stress, burnout and QOL among Latvian mothers of ASD children.

Methods
Mothers of ASD children (N = 76) were enrolled in the study using Internet platforms. We used Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Shirom-Melamed Burnout Scale (SMBS), and World Health Organization QOL (WHOQOL) questionnaires, and assessed socio-demographic data. Multiple logistic regression models adjusted for personal covariates were built for the association between PSS, SMBS and WHOQOL.

Results
Most of respondents were married (56.6%) 30-39 years old (52.6%), having male (84.2%) 6-10 years old (52.6%) children with ASD. Mean PSS and SMBS were 3.31±0.63 and 6.04±1.63, respectively. Strong significant correlation (rs = 0.75, p &lt; 0.01) was found between PSS and SMBS, therefore, only SMBS was included in regression model. In fully adjusted multiple logistic regression model, better QOL was inversely associated with SMBS (odds ratio, OR = 0.35 [95% confidence interval 0.19; 0.62]), single family status (OR = 0.43 [0.20; 0.92]), and unemployed status of mother (OR = 0.12 [0.03; 0.50]), but not with age of mother and of the child.

Conclusions
Mothers of ASD children in East Europe are in high risk of stress, burnout and bad QOL, as the diagnostics and care for ASD children in these countries is insufficient, and support for their parents is not provided at the state level. Raising awareness of policy makers and public health authorities may help to improve this situation.

Key messages
Mothers of ASD children in East Europe should be treated at the state level to reduce their burnout and improve QOL. Raising awareness of policy makers and public health authorities may help to improve the situation of mothers of ASD children.
The impact of resilience and loneliness during COVID-19 pandemic on youth’s (18 – 25 years old) mental health
Authors: Reis J , Marchini S , Bouziotis J , Delhaye M , Delvenne V 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Mental health, particularly among young adults, has been severely affected during the COVID-19 pandemic, partially because of both forced social isolation measures and loneliness. Numerous papers on the short-term consequences of lockdown measures reported high psychological distress, as well as an increase of depressive and anxiety symptoms and psychotropic drug use. This study evaluated potential risk and protective factors, such as resilience, loneliness, social and family context, in order to detect vulnerable individuals.

Methods
This prospective longitudinal study was carried out in a two-phase survey: the first one, during lockdown in Spring 2020 (T1), and, the second one, in Summer 2020 (T2), when restrictive measures were slackened. The main outcomes included the Resilience Scale for Adults (RSA) and the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness Scale. The secondary outcomes included mental health care needs (MHCN), use of psychotropic drugs and family and social contacts.

Results
This study evaluated risks and protective factors in mental health in 825 emerging adults aged from 18 to 25 years old in Belgium and in Italy. Participants were divided into three groups according to their MHCN before and after lockdown measures. 5% of the participants experienced an increase in MHCN at T1, including the start of a psychotropic treatment. At T1, statistically significant differences were found in mean RSA total scores and RSA Perception of Self scores between groups. At T2, the group who experienced an increase in MHCN displayed a significant decrease of mean loneliness scores compared with the other groups. This decrease is linearly correlated with resilience competencies.

Conclusions
The COVID-19 pandemic and its associated restrictive measures cause a negative impact on youth's mental health, particularly among vulnerable individuals. Resilience and social contacts are protective factors that need to be taken into account.
Increased risk of job strain and mental health among first and second-generation migrants in France
Authors: Gosselin A , Malroux I , Desprat D , Devetter FX , Memmi S , Valat E , Pannetier J , Melchior M 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Immigrants often have more difficult working conditions than natives in Europe, which could particularly expose them to psychosocial work factors and participate to a deteriorated mental health. This study aims to 1) describe the prevalence of job strain across origin and its determinants in France 2) verify whether the association between job strain and mental health hold across all population groups.

Methods
We used the national Conditions de travail-Risques Psychosociaux 2016 survey (N = 24, 640) which is representative of the active population in France. Mental health was measured by Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-Mini). Among employed persons, we described the prevalence of job strain according to migratory status and by sex. Then we modelled the probability to be exposed to job strain with Poisson regressions. Finally we modelled the probability to have a Generalised Anxiety Disorder in each group of population with Poisson regressions.

Results
The prevalence of job strain was 44% among first-generation immigrants from Africa and 50% among second-generation immigrants (not EU, not Africa) vs 32% in the non-immigrant population, p &lt; 0.0001)., with differentiated gender patterns. After adjustment on sociodemographic and occupational characteristics, women were more likely to be exposed to jobstrain [aIRR=1,30 [1,24;1,37]] as well as second-generation immigrants from Africa (aIRR=1,10 [1,00;1,21]). Job strain was associated with Generalised Anxiety Disorder in all groups of population.

Conclusions
Immigrants are more exposed to job strain in France and more research is needed to understand this increased risk. Additionally, job strain was associated with anxiety in all immigrant groups and could contribute to immigrants' deteriorated mental health.

Key messages
First and second generation immigrants are more exposed to job strain than non-immigrants in France. This increased risk is only partially explained by the type of jobs they hold.
Barriers, facilitators and pathways of a lung cancer screening (LCS) programme: COBELT co-design
Authors: Brown L , Sullivan F , Treweek S , Haddow A , Mountain R , Selby C , Beusekom M van 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Lung cancer (LC) is one of the most common causes of cancer death globally. Adults aged 55+, (ex)-smokers and living in areas of deprivation are at greater risk from lung cancer. Leading to a 20% decrease in mortality rates, screening with Low Dose CT (LDCT) is a promising means of detecting LC early. Autoantibody biomarker blood tests may play a role in identifying people suitable for LDCT screening, forming a national LCS programme. To increase the likelihood of the success of such a programme, suitable ways of providing the service must firstly be identified. A 2-phase co-design process, with 2 population groups. Group 1-Aged 55+, (ex)-smoker, high deprivation (N = 39). Group 2-Health and community professionals (N = 16). Phase 1: Interviews and focus groups. Conversations focussed on barriers, facilitators and potential pathways for the uptake and provision of a biomarker blood test and LCS. Phase 2: Interactive surveys (offline/online), focussing on the prioritisation of key barriers and solution generation. Qualitative data was transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Descriptive statistics were generated for quantitative data. Phase 1 identified key barriers, facilitators and pathways for uptake and provision. Service users indicated options for uptake and a means to embed the programme in the community as essential. From the perspective of providers, capacity and time for provision were key. Phase 2 found a home test kit was the preferred method of blood test for service users (independently or with assistance). Service providers leaned towards provision via venesection. Barriers were ranked by service users, the most dominant barrier was Fear of test result. Working in a collaborative manner has led to the identification of new knowledge and insights regarding the best means to target a future LCS programme to those who may benefit most. Future implementation of such a programme should consider the results from this study.
This is a CSO funded project.

Key messages
This process has illuminated key barriers, facilitators and pathway options that could improve the implementation of a LCS programme, using an autoantibody blood test to identify LDCT candidates. Measures to overcome barriers from both the perspective of the service users and providers are necessary to ensure the success of the LCS programme.
Return to work and quality of life after trauma: A systematic review
Authors: David S , Aaroke A , Solomon H , Roy N , Stålsby Lundborg C , Gerdin Wärnberg M 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Globally, one-tenth of the disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) are due to injuries. Injuries can reduce employment opportunities and significantly affect the quality of life (QOL). Most research on these outcomes tend to focus on specific mechanisms of injury like road traffic crashes or falls, or body regions affected such as brain or limbs. But rarely do patients come with just body region injured nor does the healthcare system only treat one specific mechanism of injury. Therefore, we aimed to assess and provide a systematic overview of current knowledge about return to work (RTW) and QOL among adult injured patients up to 1-year after discharge.

Methods
We conducted a systematic review of the literature published since 2010 on RTW and QoL among injured patients. Three databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library) were used. Meta-analysis was performed based on outcome, measurement tool, and the effect measure. Methodological quality of the studies were evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Tool Checklist.

Results
41 articles were included in this review. More than one-third (36%) of patients had not yet returned to back to work even after 1-year. Those who did get back to work took an average time of more than 3 months. The QOL scores of the injured patients had not reached the general population or pre-injury levels even up to a year post-discharge. Women and the elderly tended have poorer outcomes and were under-represented in the studies. Over 75% of the included studies were from high-income countries (HICs) and had higher methodological quality. There were no studies from low-income countries (LICs).

Conclusions
RTW and QOL continue to remain a challenge even up to year since discharge after an injury, more so among women and the elderly. Health policy and practice should address this burden. Future studies should focus on building of high-quality evidence from LMICs on RTW and QOL among injury survivors.

Key messages
Return to work and quality of life were significantly low even after 1-year in trauma patients, especially among elderly and females. Larger representation of elderly, females, and participants from low- and middle-income setting in future long-term research on trauma patients.
COVID-19 Public Health Guidance Database
Authors: Broderick N , Fawsitt CG , Tyner B , Larkin J , McCarthy M , Walsh KA , O'Neill M , Ryan M 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Since March 2020, members of the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) team in HIQA have been identifying, reviewing and presenting COVID-19 public health guidance produced by international organisations. The aim of this work has been to inform the development of public health guidance and policy by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), Department of Health and Health Service Executive (HSE), using international evidence and best practice.

Methods
International resources are searched on a weekly basis to identify new or updated public health guidance on COVID-19. The three distinct steps in the process include, searching relevant international resources, reviewing identified relevant public health guidance for COVID-19, and presenting new or updated guidance in a COVID-19 Public Health Guidance Database, which was created by the team using Microsoft Excel. The international organisations reviewed include the World Health Organisation, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as a range of ministries of health and public health agencies from 10 countries. These were chosen, based on guidance being available in English, widespread use of the organisation's advice, and/or the working constraints of the HTA team.

Results
The COVID-19 Public Health Guidance Database is updated weekly and provided to the relevant individuals within HPSC, Department of Health, and HSE, who are responsible for developing public health and infection, prevention and control guidance related to COVID-19 in Ireland. Following this the database is published online and may be utilised by the public or other international organisations.

Conclusions
The COVID-19 Public Health Guidance Database is used to inform the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically, to inform the development of public health and infection, prevention and control guidance to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Ecological momentary intervention to reduce suicide risk among adolescents (EMIRA)
Authors: Oexle N , Becker T , Boege I , Buschek D , Fegert J , Killian R , Noterdaeme M , Rassenhofer M , Ruesch N , Schulze U 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Suicide is among the leading causes of death among adolescents and suicide risk is particularly high after discharge from psychiatric inpatient care. Therefore, interventions to reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviours (STBs) among adolescents discharged from psychiatric inpatient care are integral for successful suicide prevention among this group. However, such interventions are scarce. EMIRA aims to close this important gap in mental health services by developing an ecological momentary intervention (i.e., intervention delivered in real-time and within one's natural setting) consisting of a personalized, automatically triggered crisis support smartphone app to reduce STBs after discharge from psychiatric inpatient care among adolescents aged 14-21 years at risk for suicide. First, we will conduct qualitative interviews with adolescents aged 14-21 years who previously experienced STBs, their parents and health care providers to identify their intervention needs and safety concerns regarding ecological momentary assessment (EMA). Next, we will investigate the short-term variability of STBs and their cognitive and physiological risk factors among adolescents aged 14-21 years using EMA (app-based self-report + wrist worn device). Based on our results and past research we will develop a personalized crisis support smartphone app (mobile safety planning) that is not only self-accessible but starts automatically based on the presence of pre-identified STB risk factors. Finally, we will conduct two consecutive studies to test the feasibility, efficacy and cost-effectiveness of the developed ecological momentary intervention in reducing STBs after discharge from psychiatric inpatient care among adolescents aged 14-21 years at risk for suicide. EMIRA has great potential to close a crucial gap in adolescent mental health services and significantly improve suicide prevention among this group.