bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
6.F. Workshop: Risk communication in the context of a pandemic event
Authors:   Organised by: EUPHA-EPI, EUPHA-HTA, EUPHA-IDC, EUPHA-PHMR,   Chair persons: Stefania Boccia (EUPHA-EPI), Michael Edelstein (EUPHA-IDC)
Published: October 2021

Abstract

The World Health Organisation defines risk communication as “the exchange of real-time information, advice and opinions between experts and people facing threats to their health, economic or social well-being with the ultimate purpose of enabling people at risk to take informed decisions to protect themselves and their loved ones”. As public health practitioners and researchers, we are aware that being able to communicate effectively risk is part of the basic set of skills to be successful in our work environment. Nevertheless, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the difficulty of communicating risk to policymakers and the public: the urgent need arose while the science on the virus was uncertain and yet the spread of both accurate and inaccurate information was rapid and far-reaching (so-called “infodemic”). By sharing the experiences of leaders in the public health community, this workshop focused on COVID-19 associated risk aims to provide young and experienced public health practitioners with the skills needed (and pointers on the pitfalls to avoid) to successfully develop a risk communication strategy in uncertain times.

Key messages
Individuals are influenced by risk information in complex and unpredictable ways and communicating effectively risk during a pandemic event requires a set of different skills. Risk communication only works well when the communication is based on trust between those with the expertise, those with responsibility, those affected.
Pandemic response credit-claiming and blame-avoidance in Austria
Authors: Falkenbach M 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Credit claiming led in Austria during the first wave to centralization and during the summer to decentralization. During the second wave, blame-avoidance led again to centralization. First Wave: between end of February, when the first cases arrived in Austria and End of May, Austrian policy makers acted swiftly and boldly. A hard lockdown was introduced on March 18th, the government presented a €38 billion aid package to “save workplaces”. Chancellor Kurz stated,“no matter the cost, we will do whatever it takes to secure jobs” and vice Chancellor Werner Kogler (Green) assured citizens that “no one would be left behind”. The government's quick actions and assurances garnered it much praise from citizens and other governments alike. Summer: Due to the decreasing infection rate, Austria was able to begin relaxing measures as early as mid-April 2020. With the beginning of the summer, the confidence index ratings in politicians returned to normal, meaning that those politicians that saw drastic increases (Kurz and Anschober) lost percentage points by the summer likely due to the fact that less press conferences were necessary. In late July, Minister Anschober announced the introduction of a traffic-light system to establish regional differentiation in terms of potential containment measures based on a set of indicators. The indicators would include epidemiological measures and take into account the resources available in each region. Second wave: The clear strategy that the government followed in the Spring seemed to have disappeared along with the population's approval. What started out as a corona success story steadily deteriorated into a story surrounding the destruction of Chancellor Kurz' well-polished poster boy image, increasing corona cases, the resignation of the Health Minister and corruption scandals within the governmental party.
Social isolation & loneliness among asylum-seeking parents with young children (0-5 years old)
Authors: Merry L , Trintignac M , Groulx G , Cleveland J , Hanley J , Rose D 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
I will present findings from a qualitative study in Montreal, that aimed to gain a better understanding of the experiences of social isolation and loneliness, key contributors to mental health problems, among asylum seeking families with young children. Using semi-structured interviews, we interviewed 14 families from 11 countries who had children ≤ 5 years old. Social isolation was largely linked to parents' asylum status which contributed to a number of their struggles (poverty, difficulty finding housing, challenges accessing healthcare, family separation, asylum process), and meant they were ineligible for certain benefits and services, particularly subsidized daycare, and as a result left families little time, financial or mental capacity, or support to engage in social interactions. A lack of access to daycare also limited integration of mothers into the workforce and their ability to participate in language courses. Mothers expressed feeling loneliness, which was tied to feelings of sadness and despair due to their precarious situation and uncertain future and having no one to share these worries with, while fathers felt frustrated and spoke about a sense of responsibility to keep moving forward and overcome the family's challenges. Due to parents' isolation, some children were spending lots of time at home, and consequently were being exposed to their parents' stress, which concerned parents as they felt it was affecting their children's well-being. In contrast, children provided a means for breaking families' isolation, either through their participation in recreational activities or because parents were motived to have their children integrated into their new society. Religion/religious organizations were also identified as sources of hope and assistance and contributed to families' well-being. Interventions at the policy, community and individual levels are needed to facilitate families' integration and promote social connectedness and belongingness.
Feasibility and Acceptability of a Patient Navigation Intervention to Prevent Suicide in LGBTQ Youth and Young Adults
Authors: van der Star A , Randall A , Calzo JP , Weersing VR , Rojas SA , Williams K , Alexander J , Blashill AJ , Wells KJ 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Across Western countries, young LGBTQ+ individuals are at a four to seven-fold increased risk of attempting suicide, compared to the general public. Despite these substantial health disparities, no known empirically supported suicide prevention programs exist for this highly vulnerable population. Patient navigation (PN), as an intervention to assist people in overcoming barriers to care, paired with the Safety Planning Intervention (SPI), may be a promising intervention to target mechanisms (e.g., thwarted belongingness and suicide-related coping skills) that theoretically underlie suicide. The purpose of this presentation is to describe the developed intervention and present initial data on its feasibility and acceptability.

Methods
In collaboration with a Participatory Planning Group (PPG), an iterative process was used to develop a PN+SPI intervention to prevent suicide among at-risk LGBTQ+ youth and young adults. A mixed-methods case series was used to examine feasibility and acceptability of implementing the PN+SPI intervention over a three-month period of time.

Results
Theoretical models regarding suicidality and LGBTQ+ mental health along with PPG feedback have informed the development of the PN+SPI intervention, with 7 modules included in feasibility evaluation: 1) Introduction + SPI; 2) Minority Stress Psychoeducation; 3) Barriers to Mental Health Services; 4) Barriers to Community Resources; 5) Decision Making; 6) Crisis Intervention; and 7) Wrap Up.

Conclusions
This project has the potential for reducing mortality and morbidity due to suicide attempts among LGBTQ+ youth/emerging adults, who are one of the most vulnerable groups for attempting suicide globally. Given the brevity of the PN+SPI intervention and its emphasis on safety planning and accessing community resources, the PN+SPI intervention has high potential for wide dissemination and public health impact, should it demonstrate feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy.
Effects of ‘It Gets Better’ suicide prevention videos on LGBTQ youth: randomised controlled trial
Authors: Kirchner S , Till B , Ploderl M , Niederkrotenthaler T 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
The ‘It Gets Better' suicide prevention project (IGBP) features video narratives of LBTQ+ persons telling their stories of overcoming difficulties related to coming-out. Research on the effects of the videos is scarce.

Methods
We conducted a double-blind randomised controlled trial between January and November 2020. LGBTQ youth aged 14-22 years (n = 483) were randomized to an IGBP (n = 242) or unrelated video (n = 241). Suicidality (primary outcome), depressive symptoms, help-seeking intentions, hopelessness, mood and sexual identity were assessed at baseline (T1), immediately after exposure (T2) and at 4-week follow-up (T3). Identification was assessed at T2. Data were analysed with linear mixed models, and a mediation analysis was used to explore effects of identification on suicidality.

Results
No significant effect was identified for the entire intervention group with regard to suicidal ideation but nonbinary/transgender individuals experienced a short-term improvement in suicidality (T2: mean change from baseline [MC]=-0.20 (95% CI -0.39 to -0.02); P = 0.01, mean difference [MD] compared with control group MD=-0.54 (95% CI -1.01 to -0.08); P = 0.02; d=-0.10). The effect was most pronounced among nonbinary/transgender individuals with depressive symptoms. The effect on suicidal ideation was mediated through identification. Intentions to seek help from personal contacts showed a short-term improvement in the overall intervention group (T2: MC = 0.25 (95% CI 0.15 to 0.35); P &lt; 0.001, MD = 0.28 (95% CI 0.01 to 0.54); P &lt; 0.05; d = 0.09).

Conclusions
Personal narratives of coping with adversity have beneficial effects on LGBTQ youth, particularly nonbinary/transgender youth including those with depressive symptoms. Identification with the featured characters is relevant for suicide preventive effects.
Social determinants of health during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review
Authors: Lord H , Fernandez R , MacPhail C 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Introduction
The emergence of COVID-19 has created global transmission. While effective at reducing the spread, public health measures implemented may impact individuals differently leaving them susceptible to the detrimental effects on their health and wellbeing. Therefore this review aims to synthesise the best available evidence on the relationship between the social determinants of health and health outcomes among adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods
A three-step search strategy was used to find both published and unpublished papers. The databases searched included: MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Google Scholar. Following the search, all identified citations were uploaded into Endnote X9, with duplicates removed. Methodological quality of eligible papers was assessed independently by two reviewers, with meta-synthesis conducted in accordance with JBI methodology.

Results
Fifteen papers were included. Three synthesized conclusions were established a) Vulnerable populations groups, particularly those from a racial minority and those with low incomes, are more susceptible and have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19 including mortality; b) Gender inequalities and family violence have been exacerbated by COVID-19, leading to diminished wellbeing among women; and c) COVID-19 is exacerbating existing social determinants of health through loss of employment/income, disparities in social class leading to lack of access to healthcare, housing instability, homelessness and difficulties in social distancing.

Conclusions
Vulnerable population groups have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, including health outcomes such as hospitalisations and mortality. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for action on health inequalities and the social determinants of health. Reflection on social and health policies implemented are necessary to ensure that the COVID-19 pandemic does not exacerbate health inequalities into the future.

Key messages
Vulnerable populations including racial minority groups and low income earners have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Action on social determinants of health is required to ensure COVID-19 does not exacerbate health inequalities into the future.
Digital Health Literacy – results of a representative survey among adults in Germany
Authors: Zeeb H , Pohlabeln H , Preising A , Schulz B , Naczinsky A , Dortmann O , Kolpatzik K 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Whereas the concept of health literacy has already found its place in Public Health, this is less the case for digital health literacy (DiHL). To investigate the distribution of digital health literacy in the German adult population, we used a definition encompassing individual, social and technical competencies and resources to search, find, understand, apply and evaluate digital health information. We conducted a representative survey including 8.500 persons aged 18-75 years, based on an online access panel. All participants filled a questionnaire which covered the seven domains of the Digital Health Literacy Instrument (DHLI). Demographic information for participants was available through existing panel data. Optimal cut points to categorize digital health literacy were developed via regression modelling. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression modelling, comparing the two lower categories of DIHL against high/very high DiHL. Results are presented via odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Overall, 52.4% of respondents were categorized as having low or moderate DiHL (W: 51.2%; M: 53.7%). There were few differences according to age group and migration status. Those with higher educational attainment also scored higher in terms of DiHL. Operative competencies were generally rated high, whereas the evaluation of reliability of content scored lowest. In the regression analysis, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for limited DiHL was 2.01 (95%CI 1.51;2.67) among those with poor or very poor self-reported health. Digital health literacy addresses a complex set of competencies and resources. More than half of the adult German population report a limited digital health literacy according to this nationwide survey. Impaired health is associated with low digital health literacy, and many have difficulties assessing the reliability of digital content. This is troublesome as more and more health-related information becomes digitalized.

Key messages
More than half of the German adult population reports limited digital health literacy. Poor health status was found to be associated with low digital health literacy.
Dutch DALYS: The Dutch National Burden of Disease study
Authors: Hilderink HBM , Plasmans MHD , Poos MJJC , Eysink PED 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The Netherlands National Institute for Public health and the Environment published for more than 25 years their National Burden of Disease estimates (Dutch DALYs). This is done as part of their Public health Status and Foresight study which is commissioned by the Ministry of Health. In these 25 years, the translation of knowledge resulting from the Burden of Disease study has been progressed over the years. The knowledge translation has both pull and push elements. Various stakeholders are consulted for example to select health conditions and relevant risk factors, to better interpret input data and to compare results with other burden of disease results. As push elements, website, concise reporting and visualization techniques such as infographics are being used. Burden of disease results are being used in several Dutch policy documents. Policy goals to reduce avoidable disease burden is based on the results of the Dutch DALY studies. In addition, the allocation of disease burden to underlying risk factors receives substantial attention from policy maker to prioritize policies on prevention. It is also used by other organizations to advocate specific issues, such as cardiovascular diseases. However, policy makers still have difficulties interpreting a complex metric as the Disability-Adjusted Life Year (DALY). In the Netherlands, the uptake by policy makers of burden of disease results has increased strongly over the years and forms by now an essential aspect of public health reporting. However, improving understanding of the DALY concept, for example by using complementary metrics such as the healthy life expectancy, could stimulate its use further. Also, the allocation to risk factors is used frequently. Policy makers indicated that a better link of risk factors to policy interventions, is a valuable next step.
COVID-19 infections and prevention and control measures in European prisons
Authors: Alves da Costa F 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Introduction
WHO-HIPP rapidly implemented measures to assess the situation and address the spread of COVID-19 inside European prisons. Specific tools included preparedness guidance to support Member States (MS) in, preventing and controlling COVID-19, factsheets directed at people living in prison (PiP) and at their visitors, checklists directed at prison administrators to self-assess their compliance with recommendations and a surveillance dataset.

Methods
The WHO-HIPP Surveillance Dataset comprises variables enabling the extraction of epidemiological indicators. This data has been collected weekly since May 2020.

Results and discussion
Data from 21 MS or regions has been obtained, 14 of which submitted national data regularly, enabling the observation of time trends. Ten MS experienced outbreaks at some moment, during which the ration of infection rate in PiP/general population varied widely (Median=1.58 {1.01-4.09}), highlighting the effect of congregate living on amplified transmission. Prevention and control measures in prisons were implemented in several MS. Eleven MS decreased occupancy rate to varying degrees (0.1-7.3%), while three increased population. Baseline occupancy rate of countries experiencing outbreaks was considerably higher than of those remaining controlled during all period. Among recent measures, seven MS have an established testing strategy, varying in methods, including rapid, polymerase-chain reaction (PCR) and sewage testing. While some MS have not been yet able to include PiP in the national COVID-19 vaccination roll-outs, seven are progressing, albeit coverage is highly heterogenous (0.1-34.5%).

Conclusions
Even though our data represents a self-selected sample, it suggests the level of infections in prison is, in some cases and periods, double of that observed in the general population. Strategies adopted to prevent and control the spread of infections vary widely in Europe.
Breast self-examination among older women in Ireland: The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing -TILDA
Authors: Bhardwaj N , Fitzpatrick P 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Regular breast self-examination (BSE) is a simple, cost-effective way of early breast cancer detection, particularly for women outside eligible screening age and for interval cancers. Although mammographic screening is the current most effective breast screening tool, the importance of regular BSE and breast awareness may be overlooked. The study aimed to identify socio-demographic, lifestyle and health-related factors associated with BSE practice among women in Ireland.

Methods
This study was conducted using Wave 4 data from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), which collects health-related information from people aged 50 plus in biennial data collection waves. Those women aged 50-64 (eligible breast screening age in 2016) were selected. Following univariate analysis, logistic regression analysis was performed on selected variables to determine the factors independently associated with BSE practice.

Results
The prevalence of BSE was 70.7%. There was no significant association found between socio-demographic, lifestyle or health related factors and BSE. On logistic regression analysis, family history of cancer was not found to be associated with increased practice of BSE (Adjusted Odds Ratio (OR) 1.02, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.79-1.31, p = 0.86). Having attended for mammogram showed a non-significant reduction in the likelihood of doing BSE (Adjusted OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.58-1.02, p = 0.07).

Conclusions
There are few studies on BSE from developed countries and this is the first from Ireland. BSE prevalence was 61%, 22.6% and 46.8% from Canada, United Kingdom and United States respectively, and was considerably lower from Asian and African countries. Women in this study were more educated than the general population counterparts, this might have overestimated BSE prevalence and obscured true associations. While we did not identify significant associations there is a suggestion that attending for mammography reduces women's interest in BSE.

Key messages
Being ‘Breast Aware’ and BSE are important alongside mammography for early detection of breast cancer. In countries where screening mammography is unavailable, BSE is an important detection tool.
Assessing COVID-19-related depression, anxiety and stress among European public health residents
Authors: Failla G , Peyre-Costa D , Croci R , Lo Moro G , Chen-Xu J , Ferreira MC , Jaquete A , Malcata F , Vasiliu A ,   ERG EuroNet-MRPH Research Group
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
In Europe, Public Health Residents (PHR) have participated in the response against COVID-19.The pandemic has had a profound mental health (MH) impact on healthcare workers, but little evidence has been accrued about the Public Health (PH) workforce.The current study aims at assessing prevalence and risk factors for pandemic-related depression (D), anxiety (A) and stress (S).

Methods
Between March 22 and April 11, 2021 we administered an online survey to PHR from France, Italy, Portugal and Spain, recruited through the national associations of PHR.We collected socio-demographic data and assessed changes in the working conditions due to COVID-19.We used the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21.Cut-off scores for D, A and S were: 9, 7, and 14.Multivariable logistic regression models were applied to determine risk factors for pandemic-related MH outcomes.Data analysis was performed with SPSS version 27.

Results
443 out of approximately 2000 PHR completed the survey, response rate: 22.15%. Most responders (n = 226; 51%) were from Italy, 87 (19.6%) from Portugal, 74 (16.47%) from Spain and 56 (12.6%) from France. Median age: 29 years (IQR 25 - 33). Female/male ratio: 1.6. PHR above the cut-offs for D, A and S were: 60.5%, 43.1%, 61.2%.DASS-21 scores were 13.3 (± 10.27), 8.13 (± 7.79), 19.06 (± 9.71), respectively.Across the multivariable logistic regression models, the main identified predictors were: for D - the COVID-19 impact on PH training (OR 1.78, 95% CI [1.12-2.80], p = 0.014); for A - the loss of research opportunities (OR 1.94, 95% CI [1.28-2.93], p = 0.002) and for psychological S - the year of residency (last year vs other years of residency: OR 2.3, 95% CI [1.20-4.38], p = 0.012).

Conclusions
Our sample featured mild-to-moderate levels of prevalent D, A and moderate levels of psychological stress.Overall, the main risk factors associated with negative psychometric outcomes were training challenges, loss of research opportunities and residency seniority.

Key messages
During the pandemic it is vital to increase knowledge and awareness about the impact of the health emergency on mental health in the Public Health workforce. It is important to deploy concrete efforts into building healthy work environments, guarantee adequate training and research opportunities for Public Health Residents.