bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trust the directives and physical distancing during three COVID-19 lockdowns in Israel
Authors: Shibli H , Palkin D , Aharonson-Daniel L , Daoud N 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

The emergence of the COVID-19 virus highlighted the importance of public trust in official directives during a pandemic. As part of the measures taken to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, people were asked to maintain physical distancing. Compliance with physical distancing influenced by trust levels which are generally lower in minority groups. The current study aimed to explore the trust level and compliance with the physical distancing relationship among Arab minority and Jewish populations during three lockdowns during the COVID -19 outbreak in Israel. Three cross-sectional online surveys were conducted among a convenience sample of Jews and Arabs adults (≥18 years old) citizens of Israel following the first (April to June 2020), second (October to November 2020), and third lockdown (January to February 2021). The surveys collected demographic data, compliance with physical distancing, and trust level in official sources. In total, 613 (N = 281 Arab, N = 281 Jewish) participants completed the first online survey, 542 (N = 223 Arab, N = 319 Jewish) completed the second survey, and 98 (N = 38 Arab, N = 60 Jewish) completed the third survey. In the three surveys, both populations, Arabs and Jews, reported higher levels of trust in health professionals than in politicians. The level of trust and keeping physical distancing during the three lockdowns were significantly lower among Arab compared to the Jewish participants. However, the association between trust and social distancing was significant only in the first lockdown (OR = 2.02, 95% CI 1.37-2.97) but not in the second and third lockdowns. Trust in official directives is an important determinant of citizens' compliance with physical distancing guidelines during a pandemic. Minority groups have lower trust levels and face more challenges for keeping physical distancing. This should be brought to the policymakers' attention to increase trust and physical distancing among them.

Key messages
Understanding the relationship between trust and compliance and its potential consequences during a pandemic warrant particular attention in the present context of a global pandemic. It is of utmost importance to identify the unique characteristics of sub-populations and minority populations in which there may be additional factors affecting compliance.
SARS-CoV-2 in a long-term care facility: lessons learnt and importance of repeated mass testing
Authors: Kelly C , O'Connell E 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on long-term care facilities worldwide. Reflecting on public health management of COVID-19 outbreaks in these settings is crucial to identify lessons learnt and improve outbreak control strategies for the future. A confirmed case of COVID-19 in a private nursing home facility was notified to the Department of Public Health West on December 30th 2020. Immediate actions included case investigation, contact tracing, implementation of infection prevention and control (IPC) measures and mass testing of all residents and staff. On December 31st 2 more confirmed cases were notified. A multidisciplinary outbreak control team was convened. Testing of SARS-CoV-2 samples was via reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. IPC site visits were made. Seven further mass testing rounds were completed at 5-7-day intervals. Data collation and descriptive analyses were performed using Microsoft Excel. There were 56 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases associated with the outbreak (28 residents, 28 staff). Overall attack rate was 52.8% (66.7% for residents, 44.0% for staff). Over half of all cases (51.7%) were detected from the first and second mass testing rounds (positivity rates 34.2% and 27.8% respectively) in the first week of the outbreak. Mean age of resident cases was 81.5 years. The majority (96.4%) were symptomatic (diarrhoea 64.3%, fever 57.1% and anorexia 25%). Hospitalisation and case fatality rates for residents were 21.4% and 41.4% respectively. Mean age of staff cases was 35.5 years. One-quarter were asymptomatic, with no hospitalisations or deaths. The outbreak was declared over on February 16th 2021. Residents of long-term care facilities are extremely vulnerable to COVID-19. Mass testing is a critically important outbreak control strategy which can facilitate rapid case finding and contact tracing in these settings, minimising the potential for further spread of infection and harm to residents and staff.

Key messages
Residents of long-term care facilities are extremely vulnerable to COVID-19, and may present with atypical clinical symptoms and signs of this disease. A low threshold for testing is required. Mass testing is a crucial COVID-19 outbreak control strategy in long-term care facilities to enable rapid case finding and contact tracing, minimising the potential for further spread of infection.
The effect of COVID-19 epidemic on the incidence of community-acquired pneumonia in the elderly
Authors: Lastrucci V , Bonaccorsi G , Forni S , D'Arienzo S , Bachini L , Paoli S , Lorini C , Gemmi F 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Since the outbreak of COVID-19 has raged, large-scale measures for prevent disease transmission have been implemented worldwide. If effectively implemented, these measures may have led to a reduction of the spread of other respiratory infectious diseases at community level. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the indirect impact of COVID-19 large-scale containment measures on the incidence of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in the elderly during the first epidemic wave of COVID-19 in Tuscany, Italy.

Methods
A population based study was carried out on data from the Tuscany healthcare system. Hospitalization rate for CAP, severity of CAP hospitalizations, and outpatient consumptions of antibacterials for CAP in people aged 65 years and older were considered as outcome measures. Percentage changes in the outcome measures were calculated considering corresponding periods of the 2020 and 2017-19. 95% confidence intervals and the statistical significance of the percentage changes were calculated using the Poisson model.

Results
A total of 3,346 new CAP hospitalizations occurred in people aged 65 years and older in the whole study time-frame. Significant reductions in the weekly hospitalization rates for CAP were observed starting from the week in which the national containment measures were imposed, this negative deviation continued even after the lift of the national lock-down until the end of the first wave of COVID-19 in July (maximum weekly decrease of 46%). All the antibacterial classes for CAP showed a significant decrease in their outpatient consumptions during the COVID-19 epidemic period.

Conclusions
The implementation of large-scale COVID-19 containment measures likely reduced the incidence of CAP in the elderly during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, findings suggests that individual prevention measures that remained mandatory after the lift of the national lock-down also had a relevant role in the reducing CAP incidence.

Key messages
The potential benefits of pandemic containment measures can extend beyond the prevention of COVID-19 to include the reduction of the burden of respiratory infectious diseases Taking into account the indirect impact of pandemic containment measures on respiratory tract infections may improve the planning of health services during a pandemic.
Potential Health Effects of Loneliness in the Pandemic Era
Authors: Banerjee S , Burkholder G , Szirony G , Sana B 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
COVID-19 has posed a public health problem leading to considerably higher healthcare costs in the U.S. population. Additionally, social connectedness has been demonstrated to be directly correlated with improved disease management and outcome of treatment. The purpose of the current study was to explore 10-year mortality outcomes of loneliness.

Methods
We assessed data from the 1999-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, with mortality data obtained through 2015. All individuals from this nationally representative study were 20 years and older. Hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality were estimated using Cox Regression models.

Results
Out of 994 participants (54% females vs. 46% males) with loneliness, 324 deaths were reported (including 71 CVD deaths) during an average of 10-year follow-up. The hazard ratio for mortality among those experiencing social isolation was 1.28 (95% CI = 1.17-1.39). The adjusted HR for all-cause mortality [1.24 (CI 1.12-1.38, p &lt; 0.05)] and CVD mortality [1.31 (CI 1.09-2.56, p &lt; 0.05)] were significant, after additional adjustment for demographic and health risk factors. There was also an increase in COVID-19 related loneliness search behavior.

Conclusions
Individuals who experience loneliness have a significantly higher likelihood of overall and CVD-mortality than those who are socially connected. Consequently, addressing loneliness in the face of social distancing and isolation may contribute to lower premature death risk and improve CVD-mortality in this vulnerable population.

Key messages
Loneliness may longitudinally lead to increased mortality from cardiovascular disease. Future public health interventions should incorporate active efforts to address loneliness.
Data Stewardship. A new health profession for findable, accessible, interoperable and re-usable data
Authors: Döhla C , Dierkes J , Zeeb H 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Issue
In longstanding tradition of Public Health exists a tension between different stakeholders. Consensus about policies and practices is required to cope with the challenging transformation that results from digitalisation. For health systems, this means a new ‘way of digital thinking', especially in research data management (RDM). In Germany, NFDI4Health, an upcoming national research data infrastructure has the potential to shape this process. Its aim is making personal and health-related research data more findable, accessible, interoperable, and re-usable (FAIR). This vision is inspired by the German Council for Scientific Information Infrastructures.

Description of the problem
Health-related research data are sensitive and related to several legal restrictions. Therefore, it is particularly necessary to accompany these ‘living data bodies' during their entire life cycle. Due to various opt-in or opt-out models, access and re-use may change during and after the studies. This could only be circumvented by an unlimited, irrevocable and non-purposive approval by the data donor. The consequence is a tension between individual needs and the requirements of research.

Results
“Data Stewards” (DS) operate within a Task Area of NFDI4Health. In this context, they act as ‘agents of change' and as ‘boundary spanners' in a complex intervention; they tare individual and societal, legal and technical aspects in the field of research. A preliminary success of NFDI4Health is the integration of a DS in selected projects of a centre for clinical trials. The first milestones were to sensitize the study directors to the benefits of this intervention and to formally involve the DS.

Lessons
The concept of DS embedded in NFDI4Health is innovative and could serve as a model for Public Health worldwide. Clinical trials require tailored RDM, which can be provided by DS. They have the potential to integrate individual and social aspects to make “health-related big data” FAIR.

Key messages
Data Stewardship is an up-coming supporting profession for Public Health, which can help to create a “Big Picture” for more health in all policies. Data Stewardship is facing the task to handle health-related big data and to guide researchers in this field to adapt their techno-ethical work practices in the context of the digital transformation.
Exploring age-sex-specific all-cause mortality in Russia using the RLMS-HSE cohort study data
Authors: Egorova A , Soshnikov S , Otstavnov S 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Russian Longitudinal Monitoring Survey of the Higher School of Economics (RLMS-HSE) presents a series of annual representative surveys that include questionnaires and a particular module relating to observed individual mortality over 1994-2019.

Methods
All calculations were made in statistical software ‘R-studio'. The analysis includes the descriptive statistics, corresponding figures, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and plots.

Results
Four thousand nine hundred forty-two death cases (1372 females, 1978 males) in 32023 households and 150335 individuals who participated in the RLMS survey over 1994-2019 explored. Most deaths were observed after age 66, while the number of deaths before age 75 among men was prevalent around twice that among women. The mean death age 66.4±18.7 (SD) years, while among females, 73.8 ±17.1 (SD) and 60.8±17.8 years for males. The median time to death among females was 89 years (95% CI: 89-89) and for males 85 years (95% CI: 85-86).

Conclusions
Death numbers because of stroke are around the same among males and females. Deaths due to cardiac and neoplasms prevailed in males. Fatal cases due to injuries/accidents among males were more than twice that among females, same for murder/self-murders. The mean death age for cause-related to neoplasm, cardiac, and stroke was around as general population - 66, 69, and 72 years old, and was more than 80 years in senility/old age cause.

Key messages
The official statistics of mortality by Federal State Statistics Service and results getting from surveys are compatible with each other, therefore adequately reflecting the rate of deaths in Russia. Using RLMS-HSE cohort study data can help identify new yet unexplored risk factors, measure and assess their effects on the leading causes of death in Russia.
The national framework for the integrated prevention and management of chronic disease
Authors: O'Brien S , O'Reilly O 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Due to an ageing population and improvements in healthcare, the prevalence of chronic disease (CD) is rising in Ireland and internationally. In Ireland, CD care is often characterised by siloed, reactive care, culminating in repeated hospital admissions. This is neither patient-centred nor sustainable. Health services need to evolve to meet changing population need. How can Irish health services meet population need in a sustainable way? The National Clinical Programmes (NCPs) in Ireland draw together healthcare professionals from primary and secondary care to improve specific areas within the health service. Public Health Practitioners (PHPs) have been central to the population health approach taken by the NCPs. Over the past decade, an integrated approach to CD care with an emphasis on prevention and population health has been advocated by PHPs, underpinned by a compelling epidemiological case. The use of a generic model of care for the prevention and management of CD, within an integrated approach to service delivery, is associated with positive health outcomes. The “National framework for the integrated prevention and management of chronic disease in Ireland” is a national clinical model that focuses on shifting the vast majority of CD care into the community. The Framework takes a generic approach to the prevention and management of four major CDs: type 2 diabetes; asthma; COPD; cardiovascular disease. It is now being implemented under PHP leadership. The sustained action of many PHPs over the past decade has resulted in the funding of this seminal programme. This project highlights the importance of working alongside Primary and Secondary Care Clinicians in achieving service reform.

Key messages
This Framework provides an integrated approach to CD care and will transform service delivery. PHPs have a central role in the development and delivery of sustainable, evidence-based health services.
Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its risk factors among Belgian adults
Authors: Leclercq V , Drieskens S , Van der Heyden J 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a growing public health concern. It is characterized by the presence of at least three of these five risk factors including abdominal obesity, high triglycerides, hypertension, high blood sugar, and low HDL-cholesterol. Individuals with MetS are at increased risk to develop cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. A better understanding of this syndrome is essential to implement public health prevention actions. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of MetS and its association with risk factors in the Belgian adult population.

Methods
This study was conducted on the first Belgium Health Examination Survey of 2018 among adults aged 18-90 (n = 1184). MetS was defined based on the Revised-Adult Treatment Panel III (R-ATP III) criteria. Association between risk factors (i.e. socio-demographic and health behavior determinants) and MetS was investigated through a multiple logistic regression (adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95%CI).

Results
Among the 963 participants with complete data (49 ±15yrs, 51.3% men), we observed an overall prevalence of MetS of 30.9% (95%CI: 27%-35%). MetS is significantly associated with older age (OR 10.2; 95%CI 3.6-28.9), low education (OR 2.6; 95%CI 1.2-5.7), an increasing number of chronic diseases (OR 1.3; 95%CI 1.1-1.5) and BMI. ORs for overweight (BMI &gt; 25 kg/m2), obesity (BMI &gt; 30 kg/m2), and severe obesity (BMI &gt; 35 kg/m2) are respectively 3.8 (95%CI 1.9-7.3), 22.6 (95%CI 9.3-54.8) and 65.9 (95%CI 15.9-271.9). No significant associations were found with gender, region, smoking status, alcohol consumption and physical activity.

Conclusions
Our results showed a high prevalence of MetS in the Belgian population. Identifying MetS high risk groups based on the socio-demographic and behavioral determinants is of major importance to establish preventive measures for cardiovascular diseases and diabetes of the Belgian population.

Key messages
The overall prevalence of MetS is almost 31% in the Belgian population. Age, education, overweight, obesity and chronic diseases are factors associated with the presence of MetS.
Comparative analysis of trends in HTA for new INNs in Bulgaria and France
Authors: Serbezova A , Yanakieva A , Zaykova K , Nancheva V 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines are made at national in the context of the country's health system. Although there has been significant progress towards partial harmonization in health technology assessment (HTA) approach in EU member-states, currently HTA process is still country-specific. This fact does not prevent countries to exercise significant efforts for regular improvement/upgrade of their HTA systems, based on health policy's goals, budget, existing good practices in other countries etc. The aim of the current publications is to perform a comparative analysis of the reimbursement systems for medicines in Bulgaria and France.

Methods
The methodology includes comparative analysis based on the assessment of the health technologies in both countries for the period from April.2019 until Sep.2020; sociological

Methods
documentary method and statistical

Methods
graphical analysis.

Results
The number of the HTA reports reviewed in both countries is similar as well as the ratio of approved/non-approved therapies. In both countries the largest share of new medicinal products approved for reimbursement were cancer products and the number of orphan medicines was significant. The main difference is that in Bulgaria there is only one evaluation needed for inclusion in the reimbursement system, while in France two evaluations form the reimbursement level. Some differences regarding reimbursement of hospital use medicines were also found.

Conclusions
The efficacy of systems in both countries is similar as far as the number of approved therapies is concerned. Slight difference in the methods applied was observed.

Key messages
The Haute Autorité de Sante (HAS) is amongst the few HTA decisions recognized and reviewed in Bulgaria which obviously impacted the Bulgarian system and resulted in the observed similarities. Sharing best practices and assessment reports amongst countries facilitate future harmonization of HTA on EU level.
Association between different outcomes of students’ health status, health behavior & health literacy
Authors: Lange M , Loewe A , Schaller A 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Next to classic full-time studies, a significant part of students of universities of applied (UAS) chooses part-time or dual study formats leading to double burden and higher stress levels. Up to now, the impact of different study formats on student's health status (HS) and health behavior (HB) has not been analysed in the context of UAS comprehensively. Also, the role of health literacy (HL) is not sufficiently investigated (Bai et al., 2019; Krüsmann, 2019; Plotnikoff et al., 2019). The primary aim of the study is to collect associated data on various aspects of HS, HB and HL of UAS students.

Methods
The prospective cohort study collects data on HS, HB and HL every semester from winter semester 20/21 to 22/23. HS is operationalized with stress level (SL), sleep quality (SQ) and life-study-satisfaction (LSS). HB included physical activity (PA), screen-time (ST) nutrition (NU), smoking, drinking and drug-use behavior (SDB); HL was assessed with the HLS-EU-Q16. At t1 n = 295 students (n: ♂=213; ♀=82; age∅=28,8 (SD = 8,49) could be included.

Results
Analysis revealed that all HS-domains correlated significantly with all HL (Range: r=.14** to .31**) and most HB-scores (NU: r=.22** to .35**; ST: r=.15** to .28**). PA correlated significantly with most HS-scores (r=.13** to .29**), but not with HL. Also, no correlations could be found between SQ, SDB and HS, HB and HL. With regard to gender difference, female students show significantly lower SDB (t = 4,38***), higher SL (t=-3,92***) and ST (t = 3,99***). Also, NU (R2 =, 30***; F = 27,21; f2 =, 32) and PA (R2 =, 34***; F = 17.9; f2 =, 37) reveal a strong explanation of variance of HS.

Conclusions
HS, HB and HL are complex dimension of students' health. The results indicate that HL AS a major impact on overall HS, but not necessarily on all HB-scores such as PA. Health promoting interventions should consider these findings on HS, HB and HL and target specific groups with individualized interventions.

Key messages
Health literacy plays an important role in students’ health, but is not linked to physical activity as a health behavior. Student health promotion should be target group specific and focus on different aspects of health behaviours.