bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Perceived health and interaction with healthcare workers of a hard-to-reach group in a Roman suburb
Authors: Caminada S , Turatto F , Jaljaa A , Mazzalai E , Giannini D , Iorio S , Errigo M , Paglione L , Marceca M , Brandimarte A 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Previous studies have showed that people living in Bastogi - a segregated and deprived peripheral area of Rome- have difficulties in accessing and relating to health services. Our aim was to analyze the health perception, health-related behaviors, and the interaction between healthcare professionals and the census population living in Bastogi, compared to the population living in the area of the same local health unit, ASL Roma 1 (hereafter ASL). The PASSI survey (from the Italian Surveillance System) was administered by phone and through door-to-door interviews to a sample of 210 residents of Bastogi. Data were analyzed and compared to the ones of the ASL collected in 2017-2018. Descriptive and univariate analysis were performed with STATA 13. P-values ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The socio-economic indicators, acknowledged determinants of health inequalities, showed a worse condition for the inhabitants of Bastogi. There was a significantly higher proportion of foreign and unemployed residents in Bastogi, with a lower educational level compared to the ASL. 58.1 % of the Bastogi group claimed their health to be good/very good (ASL: 71.6%; p = 0.000). 56.2% of the respondents from Bastogi were current smokers (ASL: 25.8%; p = 0.000). Risk factors for and prevalence of chronic diseases were significantly higher in Bastogi. The proportion of respondents who stated they had not had any recent contact with health professionals was significantly higher, and mammogram screening uptake was lower (75.3%; ASL: 90.4%; p = 0.001). Despite their lower help-seeking behavior, our study pointed out that the respondents from Bastogi who had had a contact with a health professional reported a higher perceived interest about their health than in the ASL. Further studies are needed to investigate whether this attention is attributable to the higher prevalence of chronic diseases or to the health professional's awareness of vulnerability of a hard-to-reach group.

Key messages
The population from Bastogi is marginalized and hard-to-reach: we found a worse overall self- reported health condition, a worse help-seeking behavior and a lack of reliance on health professionals. The PASSI survey administration has led to a greater involvement of the competent health institution, which resulted in the introduction of a community nurse and a Single Access Point.
Living and working in proximity to alcohol outlets and problem drinking: a longitudinal study
Authors: Raza A , Hanson LM , Westerlund H , Mäkelä P , Halonen JI 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Problem drinking causes burden for healthcare and society. No prior study has investigated the association between proximity of alcohol outlets to workplace and problem drinking. We assessed longitudinal associations of living and working in proximity to alcohol outlets with problem drinking.

Methods
Data comprised of employed respondents of the Swedish Longitudinal Occupational Survey of Health between 2012 and 2018. Road distances from home and from workplace addresses to the nearest liquor outlet, beer outlet, and bar were provided by Statistics Sweden. Self-reported problem drinking was assessed using modified Cut-Annoyed-Guilty-Eye questions. Within-individual analyses (N = 777) applied conditional logistic regression where each individual served as his/her case and control at two different time points. Between-individual analyses (N = 13306) applied binomial logistic regression with generalized estimating equation. Covariates were (age and sex for between-individual models), occupational position, civil status, chronic disease, work strain, and home/workplace neighborhood socioeconomic status.

Results
Within-individuals, the odds ratio for being a problem drinker was 3.42 (95 % CI, 1.41-8.27) and 2.99 (1.11-8.05) per each successive halving of the distance from work to beer outlets and bars, respectively. No within-individual associations were observed for proximity of outlets to home. Between-individuals, halving of distance from home to liquor outlet [1.06 (1.01-1.12)] and to bar [1.07 (1.00-1.16)] was associated with problem drinking. For distance from work, estimates were similar but did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusions
These findings suggest that alcohol outlet proximity to one's workplace could be a determinant of alcohol consumption behavior. Reducing the number of on- and off-premises alcohol outlets, even those that only sell beer, could reduce the level of harmful alcohol consumption.

Key messages
Alcohol outlet proximity to one’s workplace could be an additional determinant of alcohol consumption behavior. Reducing the number of on- and off-premises alcohol outlets, even those that only sell beer, could reduce the level of harmful alcohol consumption.
Evidence for differential care in Down syndrome screening based on maternal origin: a population based survey in France
Authors: Anselem O , Saurel-Cubizolles MJ , Khoshnood B , Sauvegrain P , Bertille N , Azria E 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Previous studies showed disparities in prenatal screening for Down syndrome according to socio-economic status and maternal place of birth. Thus, it remains uncertain that those disparities are related to access difficulties or lack of information offered to women. Our objective was to assess the opportunity for informed choice regarding Down syndrome screening according to maternal place of birth.

Methods
Data were based on French national perinatal surveys of 2010 and 2016. These surveys include several questions relative to Down syndrome screening, such as measurement of nuchal translucency and realization of maternal serum screening. We considered that women had the opportunity for choice in case of realization or refusal of prenatal screening, or realization of amniocentesis or chorionic villous sampling. We considered that women had no opportunity for choice in case of ignorance of the realization of the tests, or if the screening has not been performed because not proposed, late prenatal follow-up, or another reason or unknown reason. We used multinomial logistic regression models to assess the association between the use of the tests and women country of birth.

Results
The proportion of women undergoing measurement of nuchal translucency or maternal serum screening was higher in women born in France than women born in another country. After adjustment on the year of the survey, maternal age, parity, education level and type of maternity, and after exclusion of women without adequate prenatal follow-up, the opportunity for making an informed choice for Down syndrome screening was higher for women born in France than women born in another European country (ORa 2.36; 95%CI,1.8-3.0), in Maghreb (ORa 4.01; 95%CI,3.4-4.8) or in another African country (ORa 3.52(2.8-4.3).

Conclusions
Disparities in the use of Down syndrome screening according to women place of birth are almost partly related to differences in the opportunity of an informed choice.
Covid-19 vaccination – Malta’s attitude
Authors: Cuschieri S 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Covid-19 vaccines have been anticipated throughout the year 2020. These are envisaged by many as the way forward to beat the pandemic. However, vaccination hesitancy among the population is a public health concern. The aim was to explore the intend to take the Covid-19 vaccine among the adult residents of Malta. The vaccination roll-out in Malta started on 27th December 2020.

Methods
An anonymous survey was distributed through social media platforms during February 2021, targeting adults residing in Malta. Socio-economic data along with the intention to take the Covid-19 vaccine was gathered. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed.

Results
A total of 1,034 participants responded, with the majority showing intend to take the Covid-19 vaccine (75.44% CI95%:72.72-77.96). While 13.06% (CI95%:11.13-15.25) reported having already taken the vaccine. The majority of those not intending (n = 119) to take the vaccine were female (77.31% CI95%:68.95-83.96); between 30 to 39 years (42.02% CI95%:33.53-51.00), employed (76.47% CI95%:68.05-83.23) and with a post-graduate degree (36.97% CI95%:28.83-45.94). The commonest reasons for unintentional vaccine uptake were due to concern for its safety and long side effects as well as concerned if it is effective. Notably, 15.22% (CI95%:9.16-24.06) of the females reporting not intending to take the vaccine were concerned about the effect of the vaccine on their pregnancy or else were planning to become pregnant.

Conclusions
A high acceptance rate for the Covid-19 vaccine was observed among the Malta adults. However, an element of hesitancy was evident including among this study's high socioeconomic status group. The unknown future and long-term effects of the vaccine appear to be the main contributors to hesitancy.

Key messages
Covid-19 vaccine is well accepted in Malta, potentially reflecting the population’s desire to protect themselves and their families. Vaccine hesitancy is still evident even in the midst of the pandemic among high socio-economic group, reflecting the need for vaccine transparency.
The Arguments of the COVID-19 Vaccines Opponents on Facebook in Poland: Textual Analysis Study
Authors: Wawrzuta D , Jaworski M , Gotlib J , Panczyk M 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Social media allow users to quickly spread information and opinions. Unfortunately, it is often a place of anti-vaxxers activity, who create content that spreads easily. This situation leads to an increase in vaccine hesitancy and may result in outbreaks of infectious diseases. We wanted to find and characterize what negative arguments against the COVID-19 vaccines Facebook users create and how the popularity of the allegations against vaccines changes over time.

Methods
We followed the posts published on Facebook by the biggest Polish media. We have selected the highest commented events related to the registration and introduction of the COVID-19 vaccines. Then, we analyzed user comments related to those events and established the main themes of anti-vaccine comments. Using this list of topics, we categorized 3414 comments and checked the frequency of comments from given categories and their variability over time.

Results
The arguments of vaccine opponents about the COVID-19 vaccines can be divided into 12 categories. Seven of them also apply to other vaccines but five types are COVID-19' specific. Two new arguments say that vaccines were not properly tested or do not exist. The third topic mentions the history of the swine flu vaccine and the following narcolepsy cases. The fourth category suggests that vaccine against COVID-19 existed before the pandemic. The last argument says that no one takes responsibility for the side effects of the vaccine. The frequency of arguments from a given category varies over time. We also noticed that, while the comments were mostly negative, the reactions were positive.

Conclusions
Our codebook of anti-vaccine topics can help public health professionals better understand social media content. Real-time monitoring of social media is important because the popularity of certain arguments on Facebook changes rapidly over time but early recognition of social doubts allows for targeted interventions.

Key messages
Online anti-vaccine comments on the COVID-19 vaccines can be divided into 12 topic categories. The frequency of Facebook comments against COVID-19 vaccines from a given topic category varies over time.
Effects of plasma fatty acids and desaturase activity on metabolic syndrome in a general population
Authors: Zhu Y , Riphagen IJ , Minovic I , Heiner-Fokkema R , Vogelpohl F , Navis GJ , Bakker SJL 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Altered plasma fatty acid (FA) profile and desaturase activities have been associated with several metabolic disease, including MetS. However, their relations have rarely been studied among general population, and no study have included the FA profile in plasma phospholipids (PL) and triglycerides (TG) separately. We investigated the relationship of the FA profile and desaturase activities in plasma PL and TG with MetS, and investigated if there were new characteristics of altered FA profile that could be related to MetS status in a general population.

Methods
Baseline characteristic data from 850 participants (Male: 50.2%) aged 38-68 years who were recruited in the Lifelines Cohort study in the Netherlands were obtained. Individual FA profile was determined in fasting plasma PL and TG, and desaturase activities were estimated from product/precursor ratios. MetS was defined according to International Diabetes Federation in 2006. Logistic regression and odds ratios (OR) were used to examine these relations with the prevalence of MetS, and possible moderation effect of gender in these relation was also investigated.

Results
There was 102 people (12%) who had MetS. After adjustment for several confounders, higher tertiles of PL C18:3 n-6, C18:0, C20:3 n-6, Δ6 desaturase (D6D), and TG C14:0, C16:0, C20:0 were associated with an increasing prevalence of MetS, while higher tertiles of PL C18:1 n-7, C24:1 n-9, C20:0, C24:0, Δ5 desaturase (D5D), stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD-18), and TG C24:0, C18:2 n-6, C20:4 n-6, C24:1 n-9, C20:5 n-3, C22:5 n-3, C22:6 n-3, D5D were inversely associated with MetS. Meanwhile, men seemed to be more vulnerable to MetS when having an altered or unfavorable FA profile in both plasma PL and TG.

Conclusions
It is important to increase w-3 and w-6 essential fatty acids intake and decrease saturated fatty acids intake, and monitoring the D5D, D6D, and SCD-18 desaturases as additional fatty acids biomarkers is of equal importance.

Key messages
This study have added the evidence that an altered fatty acids profile was associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS) in a general population. The altered fatty acids profile that was associated with metabolic syndrome differed in plasma PL and TG, which requires further study.
Dietary trans fatty acid intakes and cancer risk: results from the NutriNet-Santé cohort
Authors: Wendeu-Foyet G , Chajes V , Huybrechts I , Debras C , Chazelas E , Srour B , Agaësse C , Druesne-Pecollo N , Deschasaux-Tanguy M , Touvier M 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Dietary trans fatty acids (TFAs) are either natural (ruminant sources) or industrially generated by partial hydrogenation of vegetable oils. Increasing evidence demonstrated their role as cardiovascular risk factors. Their involvement in cancer etiology is suspected, but epidemiological evidence is limited so far. We aimed to investigate the associations between different types of TFAs (total, ruminant [rTFAs], industrial [iTFAs] and corresponding specific isomers) and the risk of cancer in the NutriNet-Santé prospective cohort (2009-2020). Overall, 104,909 participants were included. Usual TFA intake was estimated from validated repeated 24-h dietary records. Associations between sex-specific quartiles of dietary intake of TFA and cancer risk were assessed using multi-adjusted Cox proportional hazard models. A total of 3,374 incident cancer cases occured during follow-up (including 982 breast and 405 prostate cancers). Total TFAs was associated with higher prostate cancer risk (1.34[1.25;1.87] Ptrend=0.005). rTFAs were associated with increased overall cancer risk (HRfor quartile 4 versus 1: 1.21[1.06;1.39] Ptrend=0.03), in particular the conjugated linoleic acid isomer (CLA) (1.19[1.04;1.36] Ptrend=0.04). These associations were specifically observed for breast cancer, in particular before menopause (rTFAs: 1.78[1.11;2.87] Ptrend=0.006; CLA: 2.013[1.25;3.23] Ptrend=0.003). Several iTFAs were associated with overall (1.18[1.06;1.31] Ptrend=0.02 for transdocosenoic acid), breast (isomer 18:2t: 1.30[1.06;1.58] Ptrend=0.01; hexadecenoic acid: 1.28[1.05-1.56] Ptrend=0.02) and prostate (transdocosenoic acid: 1.52[1.09;2.12] Ptrend=0.07) cancer risks. In this large prospective study, several types of TFAs were associated with increased overall, breast and prostate cancer risks. Although further studies are needed to better understand underlying mechanisms, these results support the WHO's goal of achieving industrially produced TFAs elimination from food supplies.

Key messages
Higher intake of dietary trans fatty acids is associated with an increased risk of various cancers. Our findings support WHO’s global recommendation of eliminating industrially produced TFAs by 2023.
Planetary health diplomacy and transdisciplinary research
Authors: Paula N de 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Given the urgent need for multilateral action for planetary health, the scope of planetary health research must be broadened. Key challenges are currently addressed through disconnected approaches and fragmented policy making. Planetary health is an integrative approach that can enhance synergies across multiple fragmented agendas, notably related to health, environment, human rights, and security. It is high time to boost an overlooked area: planetary health diplomacy. This involves measuring progress beyond gross domestic product, broadening the understanding of security to include planetary health, and reforming international organisations to ensure the protection of a rule-based international order. Efforts to address them lack a truly holistic narrative. The science of planetary health goes beyond the currently politicised climate change agenda. So far, planetary health studies have privileged natural science in order to become more impactful. However, the insights gained through this work deserve to be translated into actionable policies for decision makers. More social scientists are therefore needed in this process. Scholars of international relations are under-represented in the planetary health community. The absence of political scientists, lawyers, foreign policy experts, diplomats, and civil servants who are committed to translating planetary health knowledge into effective action comes at a high cost. Policy decisions are being reshaped in the context of evolving pandemic recovery planning, and strategies to advance planetary health that do not take account of unfolding shifts in global power relations are doomed to fail. With only a decade remaining to shift gears towards achieving the SDGs, there is no time to spare.
de Paula, N. (2021). Planetary health diplomacy: a call to action. The Lancet. Planetary Health, 5(1), e8-e9. doi:10.1016/S2542-5196(20)30300-4.
6.G. Workshop: Developing a consent model for health information – challenges in a rapidly changing digital world
Authors:   Organised by: Health Information and Quality Authority (Ireland),   Chair persons: Barbara Foley (Ireland), Sarah Jane Flaherty (Ireland)
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Advances in eHealth and digital technologies have the potential to improve the quality of patient care and promote efficiency across a health service. The potential benefits have often not been realised, however, due to a sometimes greater focus on organisational needs rather than pursuing a person-centred approach. There are some concerns from the public in relation to the privacy and security of data, issues in relation to digital literacy and inadequate digital infrastructure, and the potential erosion of the patient-healthcare professional relationship. The introduction of new information systems requires clarity around consent to align with good information governance practices and support people's rights and involvement in relation to health information decisions. Internationally, the successful introduction of digital technologies in healthcare have been informed by effective public engagement and involvement from the outset. Public engagement helps to build trust and confidence in relation to health information use, and gives insight into important considerations for the development of a consent model. As part of this workshop, we will share the experiences of three different European countries who are at varying stages of development and implementation of eHealth solutions. Ireland is at the early stages of transition to a more digital healthcare service. In England, there are a number of eHealth systems in place although difficulties have been experienced at stages; understanding public expectations and involving the public in decision-making has been an important component of their progress. Estonia is recognised as a leader in eHealth and has much to offer in relation to the fundamental principles of successful implementation. The objectives of this workshop are to: 1) share experiences in relation to the process of public engagement across different contexts; 2) examine the eHealth landscape in relation to health information sharing; and 3) lead a discussion on the opportunities and challenges faced for the future of health information in a digital world. This workshop will be comprised of three presentations, from each of the above country perspectives, followed by a panel discussion with contributions invited from the audience.

Key messages
Building public trust, via public engagement, is essential for successful implementation of digital health technologies. Digital health can transform future health systems but success requires strong national leadership, information governance, robust standards, consent management, and access rights.
What data is currently collected on social prescribing outcomes?Case studies of two sites in England
Authors: Goldthorpe J , Khan K 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Whilst a considerable amount of social prescribing activity is taking place across the North West of England, little is known about how different models are being implemented, how data is being collected to support evidence of impact and outcomes, and how these models could be positively or negatively influencing health inequalities. Our study aims to investigate the reach and impact of two social prescribing services by using a mixed-methods approach which will include analysing secondary data from social prescribing management databases held by participating organisations, workshops, focus groups and interviews. Participants will include professionals involved in commissioning, delivery and monitoring and evaluation roles related to social prescribing link workers and members of the public who have accessed social prescribing services. Observational data will also be collected during meetings and informal conversations with those involved in the project. The findings will be reviewed with participants to support the development of a larger research project to explore the effects of social prescribing on health inequalities in ways that are meaningful to stakeholders. In this presentation the findings will be presented and discussed loosely around the following questions: 1. What routinely collected outcome data is currently available to social prescribing researchers (locally, nationally and internationally)?; 2.What is missing from that data regarding meaningful outcomes in relation to health inequalities?; 3. How might social prescribing reduce or exacerbate health inequalities?