bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mental health, integration, and voting in municipal elections among foreign-born population
Authors: Seppänen A , Lilja E , Sipinen J , Kazi V , Kuusio H 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Social inclusion measures are essentially related with health among foreign-born population (FBP). Municipal elections provide a way to participate in societal decision making even for those without Finnish citizenship. However, the voter turnout in municipal elections among FBP has remained low. The aim of this study is to explore mental health, migration and integration related factors' associations with voting in municipal elections among FBP.

Methods
Associations between self-reported municipal voter turnout and language skills, main reason for migration, psychological strain and sense of belonging (SB) to locals, country of origin and other groups were studied by using nationally representative data from the cross-sectional Survey on Well-Being among Foreign-Born Population (FinMonik, n = 6836). Weights were used to correct the sample. Age and sex were used as control variables.

Results
Voter turnout was higher among those with: at least intermediate local language skills (39% vs. 25%, p &lt; 0.001); those who moved because of family (42%), studies (39%) or refugee status (39%) versus those who moved because of work (23%, p &lt; 0.001); no psychological strain (38% vs. 27%, p &lt; 0.001); SB to locals and country of origin (45%) and SB to locals but no country of origin (43%) versus those with SB to country of origin but no SB to locals, or those with no SB to any of the groups presented (both 25% p &lt; 0.001).

Conclusions
Lack of language skills can be a barrier to participate in municipal elections. Migrating for family reasons might reflect commitment to stay in current country and therefore increase motivation to influence by voting. Moreover, lack of sense of belonging to locals and psychological strain might demotivate participation.

Key messages
Factors hindering political participation can be manifold and need more studies to enhance participation across all groups. Attention should be paid to provide clear and sufficient information regarding municipal elections and candidates in several languages.
Health literacy and e-health literacy among Arabic speaking migrants in Sweden
Authors: Wångdahl J , Nilsson U , Dahlberg K , Jaensson M , Bergman L 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Health inequities arise when the public cannot access and understand health information in an easy, accessible, and understandable way, which may be partly due to limited health literacy (HL). Migrants may have limited HL. A subgroup that may have limited HL is migrants. This study explored comprehensive health literacy (CHL) and electronic health literacy (eHL) among Arabic-speaking migrants in Sweden.

Methods
A cross-sectional observational study conducted in Sweden year 2019. Data was collected among Swedish and Arabic speakers through the Health Literacy Survey European Questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q16), the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS), and questions about self-perceived health and Internet use. Arabic speakers CHL and eHL was compared with native Swedish speakers. Various statistical analyses were performed to determine the associations and predictors for limited CHL and eHL.

Results
A total of 681 respondents were included in the analysis. CHL and eHL differed between the native Arabic-speaking migrants and the native Swedish speakers. The Arabic speaking migrants had significantly lower CHL and eHL mean sum scores. Predictors for limited CHL and eHL were being Arabic speaking, less Internet use, and not finding the Internet to be important or useful. Time spent in Sweden was associated with higher levels of both CHL and eHL.

Conclusions
CHL and eHL differ between Arabic-speaking migrants and native Swedish speakers, but difference in eHL was smaller than difference in CHL and there was a difference in both CHL and eHL related to time spent in Sweden. Internet can therefore be seen as an appropriate channel for disseminating health information to Arabic-speaking migrants in Sweden.

Key messages
Internet can be considered an appropriate channel to distribute health information to Arabic-speaking migrants in Sweden. Time spent in Sweden is associated with higher eHL and CHL levels among Arabic-Speaking migrants.
10.B. Workshop: The COVID-19 Health Systems Response Monitor: what can we learn for the future
Authors:   Organised by: European Observatory,   Chair persons: Erin Webb (Germany), Ewout Van Ginneken (Germany)
Published: October 2021

Abstract

The Health Systems Response Monitor (HSRM) was established in March 2020 at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to collect and organize up-to-date information on how 50 countries in the WHO European Region and Canada are responding to the crisis. The HSRM uses a structured template, focusing primarily on the responses of health systems but also capturing wider public health initiatives. The HSRM is a joint undertaking of the WHO Regional Office for Europe, the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, and the European Commission. The HSRM builds on the Health Systems and Policy Network of the European Observatory, which brings together an international group of high-profile institutions from Europe and beyond with high academic standing in health systems and policy analysis. The content collected on the HSRM platform has been used to enhance cross country learnings through topical snapshots, papers, webinars and more. At the end of 2020, the European Observatory initiated a Health Policy Special Issue (SI) based on the work of the HSRM containing both thematic policy papers and full comparative descriptions and analysis of country responses. Overall, work from the HSRM aims to provide coherent and comprehensive insight on lessons learned from the COVID-19 response so far to support policymakers for future waves or in case of future pandemics.
This workshop aims to provide the audience with an overview of the COVID-19 HSRM and the insights gleaned from the SI. An introductory overview will briefly introduce the COVID-19 HSRM and the SI. The first presentation will compare provider payment adjustments across 20 countries. The second presentation will focus on how countries planned services for potential surge capacity, managed care provision, and maintained routine services in both hospital and outpatient settings during the first wave of the pandemic. The third presentation will zoom in on experiences in primary health care. The last presentation will feature one of the country comparison papers from social health insurance countries.
The workshop will conclude with an audience discussion about the lessons learned from the COVID-19 HSRM, and future opportunities for research using the HSRM.

Key messages
The COVID-19 Health System Response Monitor has tracked the progression of health policies throughout the pandemic and captures particularly policy relevant aspects. Both thematic and cross-country comparisons can illuminate how health systems have responded to the COVID-19 pandemic and provide lessons for future waves and pandemics.
Work-related support in clinical care for patients with chronic diseases: intervention development
Authors: Butink M , Boonen A , Dona D , Peters M , Senden T , Baadjou V , de Rijk A 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Labor participation among patients with chronic diseases is lagging behind, particularly in the Netherlands. Most workers with a chronic disease might be able to deal with their disease and work participation, but a specific group needs support preferably. This study focuses on the development of a work-related support intervention in clinical care to promote sustainable work participation of patients with chronic diseases who regularly visit the outpatient clinic.

Methods
The first four steps of the Intervention Mapping (IM) approach were used to develop the intervention for a Dutch university hospital. A needs assessment based on a literature review, expert opinions and experiences, a qualitative study with healthcare professionals (n = 9) and consultation with financial staff (Step 1) was used to formulate objectives of the intervention (Step 2). Guided by theory-based methods and practical applications (Step 3), an intervention program, including training and tools for healthcare professionals (medical specialists and nurse specialists), was developed (Step 4).

Results
The needs assessment revealed the importance of stepped care comprising: screening; risk stratification; and if targeted, a problem assessment and providing tailored work-related support, including follow-up. In order to provide work-related support in clinical care, behavioral change of healthcare professionals is necessary. To change their behavior, a program, two training sessions for healthcare professionals and practical tools (screening list, conversation cards and a map with work-related support options) were developed.

Conclusions
To provide work-related support in clinical care for patients with chronic diseases, healthcare professionals need information, skill building training and tools. Despite providing support in care-as-usual, additional time is needed and must be financed. Cost effectiveness evaluation of the intervention is a necessary next step.

Key messages
Healthcare professionals should discuss ‘work’ with targeted patients. To provide work-related support in clinical care, healthcare professionals need knowledge, skills, tools and time.
The effects of long-term physical activity interventions: Scoping review in the Nordic countries
Authors: Haverinen E , Elonheimo H , Tolonen H , Jousilahti P , Wennman H 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Physical activity (PA) is an important part of maintaining good overall health. Currently, the number of insufficiently physically active adults and children is alarmingly high worldwide. To tackle the challenge, several interventions have been conducted, however the current knowledge on the intervention effectiveness is still inconclusive. This scoping review aims to summarize the effects of long-term PA interventions across all age groups in the Nordic countries.

Methods
A scoping review was conducted by including all age groups and interventions lasting more than 12 months. The aims of the interventions had to focus on increasing PA and/or fitness. A framework of Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) was used to describe components of the intervention functions.

Results
Initially 1937 studies were identified. 12 intervention studies fulfilled inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. From the included studies seven focused on children and/or their parents and five on working-age adult populations. Most of the studies built upon theoretical backgrounds and included several Behaviour Change Functions. Hindering factors for synthesis were variations in measurement methods; both subjective and objective outcome measures were reported. Among all age groups, PA interventions had modest effects.

Conclusions
There was no clear evidence on the effects of the interventions in increasing PA or fitness in long-term interventions in communities. However, even small improvements in PA are important in increasing PA at population level and in enhancing public health. More research is required for evidence-based community and public health planning.

Key messages
Although intervention effects were modest, theoretical backgrounds were widely adapted in the PA interventions. Variations in the measurement methods hindered comparison of the study effects. Decreased PA is a current public health concern, which requires novel approaches to conduct health interventions.
Artificial Intelligence and Urban health: a step forward to the achievement of SDGs
Authors: Damiani G , Nurchis MC , Sapienza M , Jevtic M 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) recognized the transformative power of urbanization with a dedicated goal (SDG11) focused on cities. This represents a pivotal first step to empower cities, also technologically, enabling new levels of intelligence and showing the need to become smarter. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and smart cities bring a multidisciplinary, integrated approach, examining how the digital and physical worlds are converging. The AI-based algorithms are overcoming the provision of urban services entering the realms of urban governance, planning, health, and safety. The aim of this study is to review how digital technologies and AI-based algorithms can influence and transform urban health. A scoping review of the literature was conducted using the Population, Concept, Context (PCC) framework to formulate the research question. A comprehensive search strategy will be implemented according to the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Major electronic databases were queried combining specific keywords. In addition, the search was completed by a snowball-search to identify missing articles. Out of a total of 1150 publications, 8 were identified as relevant to the research question. Among these articles, 43% and 35% reported findings from Europe and North America respectively. Evidence from the literature primarily focuses on the integration of smart city networks (sensor, people, business), based on AI, and urban health with different impacts on the health conditions of urban population over time. Public health plays major roles in urban planning sharing jointly common missions and perspectives. The advent of smart cities supported by AI can have an impact on public health, transforming urban life, with important consequences for physical, mental, and social well-being. AI applications in urban health could support public health activities of prevention and surveillance, and decision-making process, ushering a new era of public health.
Evaluating rapid review provision to inform policy during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Clyne B , Byrne P , Smith SM , O'Neill M , Ryan M 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Evidence based decision making is central to population health, particularly during a pandemic. Few studies examine the production and use of evidence in decision-making during crisis management. This study describes and evaluates the provision of rapid evidence products by a single agency to support national decision making.

Methods
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of evidence providers (who gathered and disseminated the required evidence) and service users (policy makers). Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Quantitative data of work activity were summarised descriptively.

Results
Three themes were generated from the data: the work, the use and the future, with a fourth theme cross-cutting across these: the team. The work followed clear protocols and was centrally managed. The scope and changing nature of the evidence were highlighted as issues. The service providers reported a strong sense of team work and ‘being in this together', however, the majority of the participants felt that the workload was huge and exhausting and not sustainable long-term. Overall the service users thought the rapid evidence synthesis was indispensable to the decision-making process and had trust and confidence in the work, largely based on existing working relationships with the team. While they recognised that the evidence synthesis support would be an essential component of the continued pandemic response, they did query the sustainability of the process and reflected on the amount of work the team performed.

Conclusions
This evaluation, drawing on qualitative data, has highlighted that, across the services users and evidence providers, the support provided by HIQA was generally perceived as positive. From the service users' perspective, having access to the team was indispensable to the decision making process. However, the sustainability of the work load was identified as a major challenge.
Molecular characterization of A. baumanni isolates causing co-infections in SARS-COV-2 patients
Authors: Ceparano M , Baccolini V , Migliara G , Giannini D , Venditti M , Pugliese F , Tufi D , De Giusti M , Marzuillo C , Villari P 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Respiratory viral infections, such as COVID-19, predispose patients to co-infections leading to increased morbidity and mortality. A. baumannii poses as a serious threat to hospital facilities because of its ability to persist in the environment and acquire multi-drug resistance. The aim of this study was to quantify the extent of A. baumannii cross-infection and identify any gene clonality between isolates in SARS-CoV-2 patients.

Methods
Bacterial isolates of A. baumannii found in patients with SARS-CoV-2 admitted to the main Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Umberto I Teaching Hospital of Rome were collected between March 2020 and February 2021. Isolates were typed by pulsed-field electrophoresis to analyse their homology relationships.

Results
Overall, 196 SARS-CoV-2 patients were admitted to the ICU. They were mainly male (N = 138) and aged 63 years on average. Of these, 122 died, and 74 were discharged. A total of 157 strains of A. baumannii were isolated from 74 patients (38%), who had a higher mean hospital stay than patients in whom the bacterial strain had not been isolated (24.6 vs. 12.2 days). The genotypic analysis of 120 isolates revealed two main patterns (A and F) and a few subtypes, especially A8 (43%), A4 (29%), and A11 (10%). Clone A8 was found mainly between October 2020 and February 2021, clone A4 in April-December 2020 and January-February 2021, and A11 in December 2020 and January 2021. The strains were susceptible to colistin only, were isolated mostly from tracheobronchial aspirates (41%) or rectal swabs (35%) and accounted for 56 healthcare-associated infections (33% of which sustained by A4, 38% by A8, and 9% by A11).

Conclusions
The isolation of A. baumannii from patients with COVID-19 highlighted the importance of monitoring co-infections caused by this pathogen, which frequently shows a multi-drug resistant profile that may lengthen the hospital stay. It is essential to implement preventive measures to contain these infections.

Key messages
A. baumanni is a pathogen that needs to be monitored because it may lengthen the hospital stay of SARS-CoV-2 patients. In critically ill patients, the continued growth of multidrug-resistant organisms shows the importance of preventing these infections.
Competence profile of Regional Health Network Managers
Authors: Kollányi Z , Horváth G 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Based on the findings of the previous country-level research and interviews conducted by the partner institutions, we aimed at developing an International Core Competence Profile for Regional Health Network Managers (RHNMs), which later may serve as a foundation for the project's final goal: the curriculum development for EU RHNMs.
Core Competence Profile (CCP): The CCP describes in a comprehensive and structured manner what activities a RHNM needs to perform to reach the goals of health promotion and prevention by managing the network of local actors. Two central and one ancillary circle of competences were defined-all three interrelated. The two central, overlapping circles are the Health Content Planning Cycle and the Network Management Cycle, both defined as cycles, emphasizing the importance of repeated feedback and readjustment of the processes.
Relevant competencies' list: Based on the CCP, we ordered knowledge/skill areas to the competences named in the profile. According to the interview results combined with assessment, Health Content Planning Cycle is mostly based on broader health- and policy planning related knowledge (e.g. public health, social epidemiology, interdisciplinary social), and needs a strong basis in data collection and analysis knowledge and skills. Network Management Cycle is based very strongly on a wide range of “people” and communication skills (oral and written, with different stakeholders and in different settings), as well as strategic management. Based on the project team's assessment, RHNMs need advanced level knowledge in the areas of: interdisciplinary knowledge; implementation science; stakeholder analysis; facilitation of process; PR-written and oral communications; people skills, diplomacy, conflict management; strategic management; project management, and fund raising.
10.N. Workshop: Women's health reports in Europe - From data to action
Authors:   Organised by: Robert Koch Institute (Germany),   Chair persons: Anke-Christine Sass (Germany), Franziska Prütz (Germany)
Published: October 2021

Abstract

The great impact of gender on health is well researched and documented. In addition to the different morbidity rates of women and men, there are differences in the perception and communication of symptoms, in health-related behaviour and in the use of care services. The causes are primarily social and societal in nature. They are closely linked to biological gender differences. A close look at women's health is not only important to achieve improvements in health and well-being for 51% of the population. Evidence shows that healthy women are the cornerstone of healthy societies. In recent decades, women's health reports have been published in many European countries, e.g. ‘Austrian Women's Health Report 2010/2011' or ‘Annual Report of the Chief Medical Officer 2014 - The Health of the 51%: Women' (UK). As the most recent one, the Report on Women's Health in Germany was published in December 2020. It was prepared by Federal Health Reporting at the Robert Koch Institute with the assistance of many external experts. In addition to the differences and similarities in the health of women and men (‘differences between'), particular attention is paid to differences within the group of women (‘differences within'). Reporting on women's health is an important milestone and at the same time a starting point for further steps to improve women's health. In Austria, an ‘Action Plan on Women's Health' with 40 measures for women's health in Austria was published in 2018 by the Federal Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Health and Consumer Protection. In the UK, the 2019 report ‘Better for women. Improving the health and wellbeing of girls and women' was published by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. The authors call for the creation of Women's Health Strategies across the UK. The workshop aims to share experiences and network experts and activists from Europe. The authors of women's health reports will meet colleagues who have prepared action plans and strategies on women's health. They will discuss with participants who want to initiate such reports in their countries. We plan a 60-minute session with 3 presentations (10-15 minutes each) and time for discussion and audience interaction.
The following key questions will be addressed in the 3 presentations:
What women's health issues are of particular concern in your report? What is the data situation on important women's health topics in your country, are there data gaps? Which groups of women did you focus on in more detail in your report/your strategy? How can the findings be translated into policy? What has happened so far?

Key messages
The workshop on women's health in Europe is a networking event for authors and activists who have written reports and strategies or are planning to do so. Mutual learning helps putting women's health on the political agenda and achieving improvements.