bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on population mental health policy: A Scottish case study
Authors: McDaid S 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged many mental health systems across Europe. As whole populations experienced extended social restrictions of various levels, there has been an emerging appreciation of the importance of prevention and early intervention to population mental health. In response some countries and nations produced COVID-19-specific mental health plans or updated existing strategies. Mental health policy development can play an important role in countries' recovery from the effects of the pandemic. Policy can be defined as the position that a government takes on a particular issue including descriptions of how the government will respond, statements of scope, values, responsibilities, resource allocation, delivery, engagement and governance structures, as well as detailed commitments to actions. Policy frames the allocation of resources and effort in the direction of agreed social goals. Scotland had a progressive history regarding mental health service delivery, but less focus on prevention in its policy. This workshop will explore the mental health response to the pandemic in Scotland with a focus on prevention and early intervention. It will describe the pandemic context in Scotland, drawing on findings from the Coronavirus: Mental Health in the Pandemic study led by the Mental Health Foundation in partnership with Cambridge, Swansea and Strathclyde Universities and Queens University Belfast. This study has utilized repeated cross-sectional surveys of a representative sample of adults in Scotland to explore the emotional and psychological responses of adults to the evolving circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. The workshop will then describe the process of developing Scotland's COVID-specific mental health policy and highlights of the policy. It will report on implementation of the preventative and early intervention policy elements to date and discuss the implications of the pandemic for Scotland's medium-term mental health policy landscape.
Health Catch-UP!: digital innovations in UK primary care to strengthen multi-disease screening and catch-up vaccination and to promote general health in at-risk migrants
Authors: Goldsmith Lucy 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Dr Carter will describe a new digital tool - Health Catch-UP! - currently being tested in UK primary care to aid clinical decision-making around screening recommendations for multi-disease testing and catch-up vaccination requirements in presenting adult migrants, alongside a general health check.
Economic crisis, epidemiology and resilience in Italian Regions
Authors: Nante N , Vanacore F , Monaci P , Diaferia F , Moirano F , Messina G 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Introduction
Avoidable Mortality is an indicator of the effectiveness of Health Services. We know that Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and other macroeconomic indicators are related to health indicators. The aim was to study the impact of economic indicators on Avoidable Mortality, in Italy, with attention to the periods following the economic crisis and COVID-19 epidemic.

Methods
GDP, Gini Coefficient (GC) and other economic and epidemiologic data were collected from the beginning of the Century up to the present from the Italian National Institute of Statistics database (ISTAT) and the Italian National Institute of Health (ISS). Mortality data (597 causes coded by ICD-9) was divided in Preventable, Amenable and Avoidable categories. Spearman's rank Correlation Coefficient was carried out with STATA software. The analysis was performed, also using JOINPOINT software, on the entire Italian territory and then specifically on the 20 Regions.

Results
GDP trend showed two decreasing phases occurred between 2008-2009 and 2012-2013. A negative correlation (p.&lt;0.05) has been demonstrated in 7 Regions between GDP values and Avoidable Mortality, 5 Regions for Preventable and Amenable Mortality. GC showed a fluctuating but growing trend without any correlation with all categories of Avoidable Mortality. In 2020, after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic (in February 2020 in Italy), GDP and Employment Rate (ER) declined rapidly, but not always homogeneously.

Conclusions
The upward trend of the GC reflects an increase in inequality in the period following the economic crisis. GDP trend reflects the phases of the economic crisis impacting on epidemiological indicators with a latency of about 4 years. The negative correlation between GDP and Avoidable Mortality can not be observed in all Regions. This may be explained by heterogeneous administrative policies and different levels of resilience among Regions: another description of the “european microcosm” represented by Italy.

Key messages
The impact of the economic crisis on Avoidable Mortality has about 4 years of latency. COVID-19 pandemic has a faster impact on GDP and ER. Italian Regions show different levels of resilience.
Continuity of care during the COVID-19 pandemic: Qualitative results from a mixed-methods study
Authors: Deml M , Jungo K , Rachamin Y , Gicquel F , Dubois M , Bertato S , Dubois J , Senn O , Streit S 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Decreases in health service use were observed globally during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the quantitative part of this mixed-methods study, we documented similar trends in Switzerland, with a retrospective cohort study showing a 15-20% decrease in general practitioner (GP) consultations/chronic disease monitoring in spring 2020. These changes need to be understood, particularly for individuals at risk of COVID-19 complications, as many have conditions requiring regular monitoring.

Methods
With a mixed-methods design, we examine continuity of care for at-risk groups (people: ≥65-years-old, with cancer, diabetes, respiratory disease, etc.) between Mar-2020 and Apr-2021. Following quantitative analyses, we qualitatively studied changes in GP/patient practices thru semi-structured interviews with 23 GPs and 36 at-risk patients. We here focus on thematically analyzed qualitative results.

Results
Qualitative data helped explain observed reductions in consultations/monitoring: 1) some patients were discouraged to seek care by official recommendations and/or GPs during the first semi-shutdown; 2) some patients perceived GP offices as closed/overburdened; 3) some patients feared contracting coronavirus; 4) some patients sought alternatives to traditional primary care consultations (e.g., tele-consultations, consulting pharmacists/other professionals, self-reliance). Many patients did not feel that there was discontinuity of their cares. GPs commonly described feeling like an underutilized resource during the pandemic and explained how they could have been mobilized for population needs.

Conclusions
During the first wave, there was a mismatch between 1) GPs' reported availability/preparedness to adequately care for at-risk patients, and 2) some GPs discouraging at-risk patients to come for consultations, at-risk patients' perceptions that their care was not “urgent” in a pandemic setting, and patient perceptions that GPs were otherwise unavailable/overburdened.

Key messages
Qualitative data offer explanations for health service use reductions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results provide potential paths forward and highlight GP views of being an underutilized resource.
Evaluation of a school-based intervention to promote mental health literacy. Preliminary results
Authors: Kirchhoff S , Freţian A , Wahl P , Bauer U 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Mental illness is one of the leading causes of ill-health and disability. The current COVID-19 pandemic poses an additional challenge on mental health, e.g., through increased levels of anxiety, depression and fears about the future. As most mental illnesses develop before the age of 25, young people are a critical target group for prevention. Mental health literacy (MHL) is considered to be a key determinant of positive mental health, thus, being crucial for mental health promotion and dealing with the aftermath of the pandemic. This project aims at (i) adapting an evidence-based MHL curriculum for German schools, as school-based interventions are suitable in reaching most young people, and (ii) evaluating its acceptance and effectiveness regarding MHL and stigmatizing attitudes.

Methods
An interdisciplinary team including representatives from self-help groups for mental health translated and adapted the Canadian “TeenMentalHealth” curriculum for German schools. The evaluation design includes a pre, post, follow-up assessment of MHL, stigmatizing attitudes, and help-seeking efficacy.

Results
For better applicability of the curriculum, the original program was shortened, while keeping its core contents such as knowledge and myths around mental health and illness. Written and digital material was developed and distributed to teachers, which were trained to deliver the intervention. Preliminary results show high acceptability, a significant increase in MHL and a decrease in stigmatizing attitudes, while help-seeking efficacy remained unchanged.

Conclusions
An MHL intervention was successfully adapted for the German school setting. While evaluation is ongoing, first results indicate its effectiveness in promoting MHL among students, decreasing stigmatizing attitudes and high acceptability, even during the times of the pandemic. Further evaluation is necessary to confirm the preliminary findings and to gain insight into the missing effect on help-seeking efficacy.
Challenges to effective breastfeeding among indigenous Ngäbe-Bugle communities in Panama
Authors: Ma B , LaBrot B , Atkinson I 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Panama's overall infant mortality rate is 13.2 deaths per 1000 live births and 28.4 per 1,000 among indigenous populations such as the Ngäbe-Bugle. 93.8% of the Ngäbe population is impoverished and the cost of formula is prohibitive, resulting in poor substitutes such as cheap sugary beverages. These mothers received little education for breastfeeding and it is understandable why breastmilk ‘alternatives' are used. This study explored factors impeding effective breastfeeding in a representative community-based cohort of indigenous Ngäbe-Bugle mothers. This study used the hypothesis that preventable breastfeeding challenges are common and likely negatively impact infant health.

Methods
We conducted a closed response and open questionnaire survey of 139 selectively sampled Ngäbe women with 529 live births in 2018-2019. Mothers reported the need for support, use of milk substitutes, and breastfeeding complications such as mastitis. Systemic barriers such as poor access to healthcare professionals were also assessed. Data was analyzed with SAS and Power-BI statistical software by independent statisticians.

Results
71% of mothers stated a need for more support. 32% ceased breastfeeding and used milk substitutes. Latching difficulties (2%), pain (3%), sore, cracked, and bleeding nipples (2%), and mastitis (8%) contributed to cessation. 80% reported no formal education on infant feeding and 83% were unaware of breastmilk benefits. 12% received breastfeeding support from healthcare professionals and 2% received it from a village midwife.

Conclusions
Among the Ngabe, lack of knowledge or access to health services contribute to breastfeeding complications and challenges resulting in cessation and the use of poor milk substitutes.

Key messages
Breastfeeding initiation and continuation rates are negatively affected by poor education, poor healthcare access, and complications resulting in breastfeeding cessation and milk substitution. Supporting mothers with community-based education and improved healthcare access seems likely to positively impact these challenges to effective infant nutrition.
Gender differences in the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on socio-economic and psychological wellbeing of students in Russia
Authors: Andreenkova A , Andreenkova EV 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Pandemic of COVID-19 had strong impact on young people in high education whose life plans, education prospects and personal networks were threatened. Based on theoretical framework of differential consequences of catastrophic events for less privileged groups, we explore the impact of pandemic (IP) on genders in student communities.

Methods
The C19 ISWS survey was conducted in spring 2020 by web-survey method among students of Russian universities (2738 cases). IP was measured in five domains: 1) socio-economic: subjective evaluation of economic wellbeing before and during the pandemic; 2) psychological (Depression Scale CES D8); 3) social ties: change in frequency of contact with family and friends, intensity of contacts in hours per day; 4) physical health (experience of COVID symptoms); 5) academic workload in hours before and during pandemic. ANOVA analysis was used to investigate strength of impact on gender groups after controlling for other factors (age, city, grade).

Results
Change of financial wellbeing experienced 39% of students with 4% significant difference between male and female students. Male and females had different mental reaction to COVID on few aspects - anxiousness (13 points difference), apathy (12 points), restlessness (9 points) and general depression (7 points), but not on social aspects as loneliness and isolation. IP was not differential for health (22% in average experienced the symptoms of COVID), academic workload (decreased hours per day on 5% for both genders) and social ties (strong decrease in contacts with friends, small decrease in contacts with family but similar by genders).

Conclusions
IP is strong and differential by gender for socio-economic and socio-psychological wellbeing, but similar for social communication and social ties, health and academic workload. These results may serve as a basis for forming more effective communication strategies and social support to mitigate IP for male and female students.
Association between parents’ education level and KIDMED index: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Melis A , Anastasia A , Zannoner A , Salussolia A , De Dominicis F , Arrichiello F , Ferretti F , Marini S , Masini A , Dallolio L 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Mediterranean diet (MD) is considered a healthy dietary model with several beneficial effects.
A strict adherence to the MD in children, coupled with daily exercise, can prevent obesity and significantly reduce the risk of correlated chronic diseases, such metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between parents' educational level and compliance to the MD in a convenience sample of Italian children.

Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study among 428 children aged 6-11 recruited in a primary school of Calderara di Reno (Italy) between May and June of 2017. Children's and parents' information were collected at baseline (i.e. age, BMI, occupation, educational level). A weekly food diary was administered to evaluate the participant's dietary habits. The degree of adherence to MD was derived from these diaries using the KIDMED index developed in 2003 by Serra-Majem et al. We used multiple linear regression models, adjusted for age and gender, to investigate how parents' educational level affected children's KIDMED index.

Results
Adherence to the MD was high, medium and poor in, respectively, 4%, 60% and 36% of children. Higher prevalence of overweight and obesity was observed among those with lower adherence to the MD. The linear regression model shows that fathers' educational level is not associated to children's KIDMED index variation. On the other hand, a higher mothers' educational level is linked to an increased weekly KIDMED index (p = 0.012) as well as an increased weekend KIDMED index (p = 0.048).

Conclusions
Mothers' education level is associated with increased adherence to MD, both weekly and weekend. The greater difference has been observed during weekend, when children of highly educated mothers score higher at KIDMED index.

Key messages
Mothers’ educational level plays an important role in children’s eating habits, with higher educational level associated with a better adherence to the MD. It is critical to implement parents' toolkit to promote healthy dietary patterns and adherence to MD in order to correct these social differences.
Tools available to measure awareness of the European Code Against Cancer in the European Union
Authors: Espina C 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Adopted on 3rd February 2021, Europe's Beating Cancer Plan aims to reduce the cancer burden for patients, their families and health systems, and is a major strategic priority of the European Commission in its present mandate. The Cancer Plan commits to updating the European Code Against Cancer and includes the objective of making “at least 80% of the population aware of the Code by 2025”. In order to measure progress towards and attainment of this goal, metrics and tools at European level would be needed. Possible options include, but are not limited to, the “Eurobarometer”. Since 1973, the European institutions commission regular public opinion surveys in all EU Member States. The European Commission's Eurobarometer Surveys is a series of multi-topic, pan-European surveys covering attitudes towards policies, economy, and health, among other topics. It comprises survey series or instruments such as the Standard Eurobarometer (regular face-to-face interviews with approximately 1,000 subjects in each Member State), the Special Eurobarometer (in-depth thematic studies relevant to the activities of the European institutions) or the Flash Eurobarometer (ad-hoc thematic surveys carried out within a short timespan), among others. Some of these options may provide a suitable tool to standardize and measure awareness and perceptions on cancer risk factors in a valid and reliable way, as well as the corresponding cancer preventive measures, and the European Code against Cancer itself, in the European population overtime. However, developments arising from the Cancer Plan, such as the recently established Knowledge Centre for Cancer of the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission, may offer more a suitable, continuous process. This brief presentation will prepare the audience for an interactive discussion on the pragmatic challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the monitoring and evaluation of the European Code against Cancer.
3.O. Workshop: Children and adolescents’ mental health during the corona pandemic
Authors:   Organised by: EUPHA-CAPH, EUPHA-PMH,   Chair persons: Julia Dratva (EUPHA-CAPH), Jutta Lindert (EUPHA-PMH)
Published: October 2021

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented public health crisis impacting all age groups and all areas of society, irrespective of the risk of exposure or disease severity. In fact, containment measures put into place, such as social distancing, limiting mobility or closing of schools, carry many risks for health, especially for mental health. It is also said, that the pandemic accentuates existing health risks. Childhood and adolescence is characterized by ongoing physical, social, emotional and academic developments and dependencies, and is therefore considered a population of increased vulnerability. While this age group is not a high risk group for SARS-CoV 2 diseases, they are heavily impacted by the containment measures, which caused a drastic change to their everyday lives with closures of schools and recreational activities, social distancing and stay at home orders. Loss of day structure and contact to friends can be destabilizing. Children and adolescents rely on their parents for stability and security. However, the general and specific fears related to health and economic situation during the pandemic may affect parents' ability to provide this support. First evidence indicates a drastic rise in mental health problems in children and adolescents with potential long-term impact. The workshop addresses mental health in children and adolescents during the pandemic and will provide the opportunity to discuss public health reactions to this mental health crisis. We present four studies with data collected during the lock-down or pandemic, of which two present data on psychological difficulties and associated risk factors, underlining the role of parents in mental health of children and adolescents, while the other two address solutions, namely interventions for improving mental health literacy in adolescents and parental support groups. While the workshop topic relates to COVID-19 pandemic, the lessons-to be learned go beyond the current public health crisis.

Key messages
Covid-19 containment measures come with serious side-effects for mental health in children in Europe, strongly associated with parental health and economic situation. Public health must address the rise in mental health problems in children during and after the pandemic to ensure a healthy development of this generation.
Longitudinal data collection on an international level during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Sisenop F , Lindert J 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Different sampling approaches can be used in longitudinal surveys. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted possibilities to conduct random based longitudinal surveys. However, longitudinal data on public mental health responses are urgently needed.

Methods
We conducted a longitudinal study in eight European countries (Albania, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia) including 18+ year olds with the goal to reach as many people as possible and generate robust data. We used various sampling approaches (convenience sampling, snowball sampling, panel data) utilizing social media, professional organisations, educational institutions and personal direct contact. To gather robust data, focus was on multiperspectivity rather than representativeness. A mix of sampling approach is possible. Digital sampling methods were feasible in the European region.

Results
In total 2,426 participants filled out &gt;50% of the questionnaire in the overall sample, which is, also due to the rapidness of survey development, a good result for data on mental health and resilience during COVID-19 pandemic. COPERS study has shown that a mix of various sampling approaches is possible and a good option to generate datasets in a relatively short time span. However, no responses rates can be calculated using.

Conclusions
Online surveys are a good tool to reach people in times of crisis. Furthermore, they can be adapted directly in case of changes, if necessary and desired. Using different ways of recruitment, a diverse group of people can be recruited. However, online surveys require a certain technical understanding, which not all potential participants have. Question remains how multinational research is evolving and being shaped. This asks for possibly new methods to define and detect sampling bias.