bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EuroNet MRPH: Networking Opportunities for Public Health Medical Residents
Authors: Monteagudo JF , Peyre-Costa D , De Souza S , Alonso-Jaquete A , Failla G , Grosso FM , Chen-Xu J , Miranda JO , Borghi G 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
The European Network of Medical Residents in Public Health (EuroNet MRPH) is a non-profit, international, independent and non-governmental network of national associations of public health residents around Europe.

Objectives
To describe the results accomplished by EuroNet MRPH and to show networking opportunities provided to medical residents in public health (MRPH) from 2011 to 2021.

Results
EuroNet's mission is to improve and facilitate connection between MRPH, to promote pan-European Research, and to facilitate international mobility. Digital and quarterly face-to-face meetings are used as a way of communication. Since 2011, 10 European MRPH associations and 4 individual members have joined the network, representing the UK, France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Ireland, the Netherlands, Croatia, Slovenia, Turkey, Malta, Poland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Austria. In this period, 27 face-to-face meetings have been organised, promoting cooperation and exchanging of ideas between MRPH. Moreover, three working groups (WG) have been established, focusing on research, internships, and communication. Regarding research, studies about e-cigarettes, conflicts of interest, and the impact of COVID-19 on mental health of MRPH have been conducted. When it comes to internships, more than 20 possible destinations and an online form are available on our website, providing MRPH information and support. Finally, thanks to the communication WG, 20 newsletters have been published, sharing experiences and thoughts from members of the network. Moreover, EuroNet has an established presence in social media, with active accounts in Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, where public health information and opportunities for young professionals are promoted.

Conclusions
In the last ten years, EuroNet MRPH has actively promoted networking opportunities among European Medical Residents in Public Health.

Key messages
Enhancing international cooperation among young public health professionals is fundamental in order to face current and future public health challenges. EuroNet MRPH represents a useful tool to promote collaboration among young public health professionals.
Determinants of drug prescription in general practice in Casablanca: Cross-sectional study
Authors: Traore B , Zoukal S , Tsoumbou-Bakana G , Nani S , Hassoune S 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Rational drug prescribing is essential to ensure good disease management and avoid the emergence of drug resistance. However, the decision to prescribe a drug is not only based on the medical knowledge of physicians, but other factors may also influence this decision. We conducted this study to determine the factors that may influence drug prescribing in general practice in Casablanca.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted in Casablanca (Moulay Rachid and Sidi Bernoussi prefectures) from January to April 2019 among general practitioners in the public and private sectors. The survey was based on the response to a self-administered questionnaire designed and pre-tested by epidemiology laboratory of the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Casablanca. In addition to a descriptive analysis of the results, a logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the factors that could be associated with drug prescription.

Results
Among 191 general practitioners practicing in the prefectures of Moulay Rachid and Sidi Bernoussi 140 agreed to participate in our study, among which 101 (72.1%) prescribed on average more than two drugs per consultation. In addition to patient-related characteristic: enrolment in medical coverage (OR = 0.1 [0.1; 0.9] if 25-50% of patients had medical coverage), long-term illnesses (OR = 1.73 [1.57; 1.90]); the independent factors associated with this doctor-related prescription were age (OR = 0.23 [0.1; 0.7] over 55 vs. under 40 years), sector of activity (OR = 22.8 [7.4; 70.0] private sector vs public sector), professional seniority (OR = 0.1 [0.01; 0.8] if seniority more than 5 years), and consultation duration (OR = 1.1 [1.09; 1.2]).

Conclusions
In addition to seniority, duration of consultations, and sector of activity, patient characteristics influence GPs' drug prescription.

Key messages
The decision to prescribe a drug is influenced by the length of time the GP has been in practice, the duration of consultations and the sector in which he/she works. Patient characteristics influence GPs' drug prescribing.
Knowledge, attitude and practice towards antibiotic resistance among general practitioners in Armenia
Authors: Muradyan D , Demirchyan A , Petrosyan V 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Antibiotic resistance is an important public health issue. This study sought to measure general practitioners' (GPs) knowledge, attitude, and practice on antibiotic resistance; explore the adjusted associations between their antibiotics prescribing practice score and knowledge and attitude scores, and identify barriers for rational prescription of antibiotics by GPs.

Methods
A cross-sectional self-administered survey was conducted among GPs. Multivariable linear regression was applied to analyze the data.

Results
Overall, 291 GPs participated in the study. Knowledge, attitude, and practice mean percent scores were 58.3%, 67.5%, and 63.0%, respectively. In the adjusted analysis, the practice percent score was significantly associated with the attitude percent score (β = 0.58; 95% CI: 0.41, 0.75; p &lt; 0.001), though the relation between the practice and knowledge scores was insignificant. The main barriers reported by GPs: lack of rapid diagnostic tests, high costs of laboratory tests, high costs of some antibiotics, and lack of guidelines.

Conclusions
Identified low knowledge, attitude, and practice mean percent scores suggest a need for improvements in these areas. Availability of rapid and inexpensive diagnostic tests, enforcement of prescriptions could potentially prevent the development of antibiotic resistance.

Key messages
Availability of rapid and inexpensive diagnostic tests, enforcement of prescriptions, and regulation of antibiotics’ prices could help to improve antibiotics prescribing practices of GPs. Low knowledge, attitude and practice levels regarding antibiotic resistance among GPs in polyclinics suggests a need for improvement in these areas.
A case-control study on body composition of teenagers with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Marinov D , Dimitrova T 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common form of spinal abnormality. It affects about 2-3% of all teenagers. Its etiology remains unknown but studies suggest that multiple factors may play a role. A growing body of evidence supports the role of body composition abnormalities including low body mass index (BMI) and low body fat percentage (BF%) as risk factors for AIS development. This study aimed to evaluate these indicators in a group of teenagers with AIS and compare them to age and gender-matched controls.

Methods
The study included 98 adolescents with AIS and 73 controls aged 11-18 years from Varna, Bulgaria. Data was collected after receiving informed consent from the parents. Data on AIS diagnosis and severity was collected from the available medical documentation. Anthropometrics were measured using calibrated Tanita BC-420MA (ISSO 9001) and following ESPEN guidelines. BMI for age and BF% for age were estimated using WHO Child Growth Standards and BF% reference curves for children.

Results
In the AIS group, 15% were underweight with BMI for age under -2SD. 11% were above +1SD indicating a risk of overweight or obesity. In comparison, 7% of the control group were underweight while 32% were at risk of being overweight or obese. There is a statistically significant difference between the BMI for age in the two groups (χ2=19.564 Đ¿рĐ, p &lt; 0.005). In the AIS group, 47% had BF% for age under the 2nd percentile indicating underfat, while 7% of AIS cases had BF% for age above the 85th percentile indicating they are overfat or obese. In comparison, 15% of the control group were underfat while 19% were overfat or obese. There is a statistically significant difference between the BF% for age in the two groups (χ2=21,504 Đ¿рĐ, p &lt; 0.001).

Conclusions
Children with AIS are more likely to be underweight and underfat compared to their healthy peers. Cases of having a high BF% and being overweight or obese are scarce amongst AIS patients.

Key messages
The majority of children with AIS have abnormal body composition compared to healthy age and gender-matched controls. Aspects of the nutritional status may play a role in the etiology of AIS. Children with low body fat might be at a higher risk of developing AIS. AIS screening programs should be directed towards underweight children.
Factors associated with liking of milk among preschool children
Authors: Greene E , Murrin C 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Adequate calcium intake in childhood is essential for bone health, and dairy products are an important dietary source. However, children's milk consumption has reduced over the past decade in developing countries. Food preferences are a key determinant of consumption, and those developed in early life can persist into adulthood. Therefore, promoting a liking for milk before school age may be effective in improving milk consumption further into childhood. The aim of this analysis is to explore the factors associated with liking of milk among preschool children.

Methods
Questionnaires were completed by parents of 2-5 year-old children as part of a pilot intervention aiming to increase milk consumption in 12 preschools. Chi-squares and hierarchial logistic regression were used to examine the association between children's liking of milk, as reported by parents, and child-related factors (infant feeding; demographics; diet) and parent-related factors (attitudes; milk consumption and liking; education).

Results
Responses from 319 parents of 2-5 year-old children (50.5% male, 49.5% female) were analysed. Ninety-two percent of respondents were mothers and 85% of parents reported that their children liked the taste of milk. In a logistic regression model (N = 281) parents' belief that it is difficult to encourage their child to drink milk was associated with a lower likelihood of children liking the taste of milk (OR = 0.028; CI = 0.011, 0.075; P &lt; 0.001). Liking of milk was not significantly associated with other factors examined (P &lt; 0.05).

Conclusions
The present analysis suggests that parents' self-efficacy in encouraging their child to drink milk may be important in influencing their child's liking of its taste, and should be considered in interventions aiming to improve milk consumption. The taste of milk was well-liked in this cohort of preschool children and therefore, further research is necessary in a cohort with varying levels of milk consumption and liking of milk.

Key messages
Parental beliefs should be included as intervention targets when aiming to improve a liking for milk among preschool children. Further research on the determinants of milk consumption and liking of milk is necessary in diverse cohorts of preschool children.
Adverse childhood experiences and health risk behaviours by gender among Tunisian adolescents
Authors: Mlouki I , Elomma Mrabet H , Rezg N , Chebbi F , Omri N , Ben Youssef F , Sfar H , El Mhamdi S 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have become an alarming phenomenon exposing individuals at a great risk of developing mental health issues. To date, there remains a lack of adequate researches on ACEs especially among adolescents. This survey aimed to describe the prevalence of childhood adversities and to determine their role in developing risky behaviours amongst Tunisian youth.

Methods
We conducted a cross sectional study among schooled adolescents in the governorate of Mahdia (Tunisia) from January to February 2020. Exposure to violence was assessed using the validated Arabic version of the WHO ACE questionnaire. The Internet Addiction Test (IAT) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HAD) were used as a screening tool for internet addiction, anxiety and depression.

Results
A total of 1940 adolescents were recruited. The majority of them (97.5%) reported experiencing at least one ACE. Emotional neglect (83.2%) and witnessing community violence (73.5%) were the most reported ACE categories. According to gender, males had higher rates of exposure to physical abuse and social violence than females. The most common risky behaviour was internet addiction (50%) followed by substance use (16.6%). After adjustment for anxiety and depression, the dose-response association between ACE and risky behaviours was well established.

Conclusions
These results among youth have both public health and societal implications.

Key messages
The prevalence of exposure to adverse childhood experiences as well as risky behaviors are alarming among Tunisian adolescents. Screening addictive behaviors among youth with a history of childhood adversities is needed.
Factors associated with the level of knowledge about breastfeeding
Authors: Perez Juarez M , Villegas Dominguez JE , López Santiago N , Martínez Solorzano J , Márquez Celedonio FG 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
In Mexico, 95.6% of children under 2 years of age are breastfed at least once in their lifetime; however, only 28.6% are exclusively breastfed and 40.2% are predominantly breastfed up to 6 months of age. Mothers who do not breastfeed their children or abandon breastfeeding before 6 months of age give reasons that suggest lack of knowledge or lack of support.

Aim
to determine the factors associated with a high or higher level of knowledge about breastfeeding in women in Veracruz, Mexico.

Methods
A cross-sectional, prospective, observational and comparative study was carried out. Women between 18 and 35 years old, from Veracruz, Mexico were included, between July to December 2020. Virtual surveys were applied through social networks, using a non-probabilistic sampling, evaluating knowledge about breastfeeding through the application of the ‘Breastfeeding knowledge questionnaire', and its interpretation is carried out at four levels of knowledge: poor, regular, high and very high (Cronbach's alpha of 0.722).

Results
1241 participants were included. The patients showed high or greater knowledge in 1057 (85.1%) cases. Having school as the main source of information for breastfeeding, reported an Odds Ratio (OR) of 1.5 (95%CI 1.05-2.2) and having intentions to exclusively breastfeed in the next pregnancy had an OR of 1.7 (95% CI 12 .-2.4), while obtaining the information through friends, family or acquaintances had an OR of 0.6 (95% CI 0.4-0.8), both with p values &lt;0.05. Marital status, educational level, age, occupation, religion, having medical attention through social security, the number of children, receiving information about breastfeeding from a health institution, from social networks or looking independently had p values &gt; 0.05;

Conclusions
The high level of knowledge is positively associated with the information received at school from while it is negatively associated with having family or friends as the main sources of information.

Key messages
The high level of knowledge is positively associated with the information received at school. The high level of knowledge is negatively associated with having family or friends as the main sources of information.
Prevalence, time of diagnosis and mortality of newborns with congenital digestive malformation
Authors: Traore B , Chraa FZ , Tsoumbou-Bakana G , Hassoune S , Nani S , Yaqini R 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Congenital digestive malformations are a leading cause of infant mortality and morbidity. There are currently no reliable estimates of the number of children born with these malformations and the diversity of the underlying causes requires a range of preventive approaches. Thus, to estimate the prevalence and mortality of these pathologies and to determine the interest of prenatal diagnosis in Casablanca, we initiated this study.

Methods
This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Ibn Rochd University Hospital in Casablanca from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2019, among newborns with congenital digestive malformations diagnosed by a specialist in visceral and digestive surgery. Data related to pregnancy, delivery, and time of diagnosis were collected through the medical record and complemented by clinical and surgical data from the hospitalization registry. In addition to the descriptive analysis of the results, the statistical analysis included Log Rank tests and the Cox method.

Results
Among 33853 live births 140 cases (56 Esophageal Atresia, 12 Diaphragmatic Hernia, 29 Laporoschisis, 20 Neonatal Occlusion, and 23 Omphalocele) of neonatal digestive malformation (4,13/1000 live births) had been diagnosed, 19.3% (27/140) of which were diagnosed during the antenatal period with an estimated mortality of 2.86/1000 (96/33853) live births and a mean survival time of 9.14±0.92 days. There was no statistically significant association between the time of diagnosis (prenatal vs postnatal) of the disease and the risk of mortality (Log Rank test p = 0.781), and the differences in the association between prenatal diagnosis and infant mortality in the five neonatal digestive malformations were not statistically significant.

Conclusions
These results imply that survival may no longer be the most relevant outcome, or the best criterion, for assessing the impact of prenatal diagnosis on the outcome of neonatal digestive malformations.

Key messages
The prevalence and mortality of children with neonatal GI defects is high. Survival may be the most relevant outcome to assess the impact of prenatal diagnosis on the outcome of neonatal GI defects.
The burden of Alzheimer’s caregivers and social support in the Tunisian family
Authors: Dhouib W , Ibrahim B , Bannour R , ben Cheikh A , Bhiri S , Ghali H , Khefacha S , Said Latiri H , Ben Rejeb M 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Alzheimer is a pathology that concers the patient and his family having a physical, social, economic and psychological impact. Research on family caregivers is still lacking and little is known about caregivers burden and ist associated factors in Tunisia. The aim of this study were to describe caregiver burden among Tunisian family caregivers of patients with alzheimeŕs disease, its associated factors and ist relationship to social support.

Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study among 118 family caregivers during three months at the neurology outpatient departments of two university hospitals. Sahloul, Sousse and Taher Sfar, Mahdia. Using the Zarit Burden Interview-22 (ZBI)items and the Medical Outcome Study-Social Support Survey to assess burden and social support among the caregivers.

Results
We included 118 caregivers of patients with Alzheimeŕs disease,with an average age of 45±15 years. Women were more predominant with a sex ratio of 0.57.Half of caregivers were the descent of patients. The Mean years of caregiving was 5±3 years with an average of 13 hours ±3 of care assistance per day. The mean ZBI Score was 38.4±18.5 and 16.1% of caregivers percived a severe burden. The mean ZBI Score was higher in female, retired, lowmsocio economic status and in rural area with a statistically significance difference. We found that caregiver burden and social support were highly correlated (p &lt; 0.001,r=-0.41)indicating that a high level of caregiver burden was asoociated with a less level of social support.

Conclusions
The level of burden in family caregivers who are caring for a patient with alzheimeŕs disease is high. A considerate help and support from helth care and social institutions is required by taking into account the factors that contribute to caregivers burden and considering the importance of social support in alleviating caregiver burden.

Key messages
The level of burden in family caregivers who are caring for a patient with alzheimeŕs disease is high. High level of caregiver burden was asoociated with a less level of social support.
Impairment of visual working memory as endo-phenotypic marker for paranoid schizophrenia
Authors: Veleva I , Stoimenova M , Valkova M 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Examination of cognitive endo-phenotypes is a modern approach for establishing genetic risk for schizophrenia. Visual working memory (VWM) is significantly impaired in cases with paranoid schizophrenia (PSch). Benton Visual Retention Test (BVRT) is a standardized neurocognitive instrument for accessing VWM. The aim of the study was to access VWM in patients with PSch and their first-grade relatives (FGR) and to compare the results with healthy controls.

Methods
We examined VWM in 108 patients with PSch - 66 males and 42 females; their mean age was 38.86±10.02 years and average disease severity 71,8±5,1 points measured on Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. The FGR group included 30 males and 28 females with a mean age 36.71±11.74 years. The control group consisted of 37 males and 23 females aged 35.68±11.36 years. The VWM in all cases was measured by BVRT. The study was approved by the University of Pleven Ethical Committee. Mann-Whitney U and z-tests were used for between-group comparisons. All correlations were interpreted as significant at 95% confidence level. Data processing was performed by IBM SPSS Statistics v.24.

Results
Patients with PSch showed lower correct answers and more total errors on BVRT as compared to their first-grade relatives (z= -6.482; p = 0.0001). They also made more omissions, distortions, perseverations, misplacement errors and had specific tendencies for changing angular figures with circles. First-grade relatives had greater total number of errors and more distortions, perseverations, misplacement errors and horizontal shifts compared to healthy controls. All differences were significant at p = 0.01 or even p = 0.001.

Conclusions
Both PSch and FGR show difficulties in space organization and/or have restricted analysis of perception and poor scheme of getting information. This illustrates a deficit in the hierarchical organization, planning and strategy development for visual perception resulted from the frontal disfunction.

Key messages
First-grade relatives of patients with paranoid schizophrenia show specific impairments of visual working memory which makes it suitable endo-phenotypic marker for paranoid schizophrenia. Visual working memory could be used in clinical scientific research for the purpose of differentiation of high-risk groups for schizophrenia.