bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Individual and organizational perceptions of hospital workers during COVID-19: the link with burnout
Authors: Bashkin O , Davidovitch N , Asna N , Schwartz D , Dopelt K 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
The COVID-19 crisis poses challenges to healthcare systems and their employees. Medical staff are at the front of the battle against COVID-19. They must cope with a crisis accompanied by personal health and occupational ramifications and ongoing job stressors, which may lead to adverse mental health symptoms and may affect the quality of medical care provided to patients. This study evaluated health workers' perceptions and concerns about the COVID-19 crisis and its management in an Israeli hospital.

Methods
At the end of the pandemic's first wave in Israel, 547 healthcare workers responded to an online survey, which inquired about COVID-19 concerns at the individual and family level, perceptions at the national and organizational level, perceptions of the way the crisis was managed, self-assessment of coping with the crisis and burnout, and demographics.

Results
Findings showed that healthcare workers expressed deep concerns for family members and apprehension at a national level. Respondents noted that they were coping well with the crisis while expressing negative perceptions of how the crisis was managed. The regression model showed that concerns for family members, perceptions at the system level, working directly with COVID-19 patients, and having negative perceptions towards the crisis management at the national level, were associated with burnout.

Conclusions
The findings of this study deepen our understanding of issues that require systemic attention to strengthen mental resilience among hospital staff. Several actions are recommended to improve healthcare systems' ability to continue fighting the virus and confront future health crises:
Further examination and monitoring of healthcare workers' concerns and job stressors. Providing psychosocial support plans for frontline workers to ensure their safety and health and prevent burnout. Strengthening supportive organizational culture.

Key messages
Healthcare workers express deep concerns and perceptions associated with burnout. Health services management needs a good understanding of workers' concerns and develop strategies to address them.
Capacity building of health professionals in Guinea: a successful e-learning experience (2017-2021)
Authors: Delamou A , Millimouno TM , Kolie JM , Van Bastelaere S , Delvaux T 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Strengthening the capacities of health professionals (HPs) in public health is a necessity in the context of recurrent epidemics in Africa. The objective of this study was to describe the process and results of an innovative online training program implemented in the post-Ebola context in Guinea between 2017 and 2021.

Methods
The courses were developed in French in 2017-2018 by the Maferinyah Training and Research Center in Guinea with technical support from the Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) of Antwerp (Belgium). The Moodle platform was used to locally manage and deliver these courses. A cross-sectional study using mixed research methods was carried out.

Results
Three courses of three months duration each (6 to 8 modules) were developed and delivered between 2018 and 2021 on primary health care (eSSP), management of sexual and reproductive health services (eSSR), and research methodology. The online training on the Moodle platform was followed by a face-to-face capacity-building workshop. Of 479 HPs from 13 nationalities enrolled in the courses, 68.1% (326/479) completed the training and 80.4% of them (262/326) validated it (54.7% among all registrants). The success rate of women (56.7%) was higher than that of men (54%) and remained higher among Guineans (55.3%) compared to foreigners (51.4%) but these differences were not statistically significant. The success rates for the eSSP (47.7%), eSSR (58.5%) and eMR (59.1%) courses were also comparable. The learner satisfaction score ranged from 60 to 100% for different aspects of the courses.

Conclusions
It is possible to offer online courses in a limited resource setting like Guinea. However, involving women in online training remains a challenge.

Key messages
It is possible to offer online courses in a limited resource setting like Guinea. Involvement of women in online training remains a challenge.
Life is a rollercoaster: an exploration of a support group for parents and carers of those with children and young people with mental health difficulties
Authors: Fothergill-Misbach N , Perkins N , Rutter N , Wood M , Henderson E 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
NHS Digital reported that one in eight children aged 5 to 19-year-old in England were identified with a mental illness, the most prevalent being emotional disorders. A diagnosis of a mental illness has a clear impact on children or young people and can also impact the health and wellbeing of family members, in particular parents and carers. We will share and discuss findings from a co-produced evaluation of a nationally recognized support group, Rollercoaster, a well-established and popular parent support group in the UK, for carers of children and young people with mental health difficulties. We will illustrate “what works” in setting up and running a support group for parents in the UK and more widely. The audience will learn what matters to the parents and carers regarding support and in terms of offering support, and how to effectively run a successful support group. Specifically, the evaluation focused on what principles could be drawn from Rollercoaster, given the wide gap in local services offering targeted support for carers. We therefore created a framework to aid in the development of other, unique support groups designed to meet the needs of their local populations. We carried out a parent/carer survey; interviews with parents/carers, support group workers and wider stakeholders; and observations of support group activities. Applying a “lesson drawing” method, we grouped what participants said around the following areas: 1) specific activities offered by Rollercoaster; 2) people who set up and run a parent/carer support group; 3) how to make a parent/carer support group successful. Engaging a wide range of parents/carers and stakeholders at every stage in the design of activities was seen as paramount. A range of skills are required by different people at various points in setting up and running the group. Success rests on constantly adapting to internal and external developments and having a bedrock of being parent led and professionally supported.
Systemic biomarkers for the preclinical diagnosis of dementia
Authors: Biarnés-Martínez M , Hernáez A , Subirana I , Martínez-González MA , Corella D , Salas-Salvadó J , Ros E , Estruch R , Fitó M , Castañer O 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
As a consequence of aging and the age-related cardiovascular risk, both of them closely associated to neurodegenerative diseases, dementia has become one of the major public health concerns for governments and the scientific and medical communities. Up to date, there isn't any front-line screening tool implemented at a population level. In this regard, we aim to assess the association of several systemic biomarkers related to neuroinflammation [lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), complement component 3, C-reactive protein, alpha-1-antitrypsin, alpha-2-macroglobulin (α2M) and pancreatic prohormone], lipid metabolism [apolipoprotein E, 24S-hydroxycholesterol], and neuronal integrity [tau protein], with dementia risk in an adult-elderly population at high cardiovascular risk.

Methods
We designed a case-cohort study nested in the PREDIMED cohort (110 incident cases of dementia, 251 non-cases). Participants were at high risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), but had no clinical CVD neither dementia at the time of enrolment. Inclusion criteria were an age of 55-80 years old and the presence of diabetes type 2 or at least 3 cardiovascular risk factors (smoking, overweight or obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and family history of premature CVD). We used Cox proportional hazard models to estimate hazard ratios (HR) of the association between these nine plasma biomarkers and dementia risk adjusted for several covariates.

Results
Dementia cases were older, presented higher levels of fasting glucose and were more likely to have type 2 diabetes. The prevalence of dyslipidemia and smoking in patients with dementia was lower. Dementia cases had higher levels of LDH and α2M. Higher LDH levels were associated with a higher risk of developing dementia after adjustment (HR = 1.19).

Conclusions
Higher LDH plasma levels are associated with a higher risk of dementia incidence in population at high cardiovascular risk.

Key messages
Higher levels of LDH are associated with higher risk of dementia incidence among adult-elderly individuals with a high cardiovascular risk profile. The early detection of this biomarker could enable an early intervention and to delay, or perhaps even prevent, the onset of clinical symptoms.
4.F. Round table: Clear communication in the face of changing evidence: the example of COVID-19 prophylaxis
Authors:   Organised by: EUPHA, EuroHealthNet,   Chair persons: Alastair Leyland (EUPHA), Alison Maassen (Belgium)
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Clear communication of scientific evidence remains important, as dramatically highlighted by COVID-19. But what does clear communication look like if the evidence keeps changing? Along with the known problems of fake news, disengagement and science scepticism, there is the problem of scientists presenting conflicting views on the same topic. Alternatively, changing evidence can lead to scientists saying something but, in the light of new evidence, revising their conclusions and the scientific message. In the case of COVID-19, the lack of clear scientific messaging in the early days of the pandemic opened the debate to politics and culture, lowering trust in science and politicizing mitigation measures such as mask wearing. What lessons can be learned from the COVID-19 experience in order to improve future scientific communication, even in the face of uncertain evidence? What are the roles of different actors, such as epidemiologists, behaviour change specialists, science journalists, policymakers and international actors like the WHO in shaping this narrative? How can they improve their future collaboration so that scientific communication with the public becomes more transparent, equitable and trust-building?
Short presentations:
Prophylactic measures taken in times of COVID-19 - Ricardo Mexia, Portugal (vice-president EUPHA-IDC) Contribute to the effectiveness of COVID-19 prevention measures, by making available state-of-the-art behavioural and communication science expertise - Mariken Leurs, RIVM Key considerations for risk communication and community engagement - Cristiana Salvi, Communication Officer, WHO Europe How protective masks went from don't wear to must have - Megan Molteni, journalist Panel discussion with the audience

Key messages
Transparency in communicating evidence is essential for clear and usable communication. Open dialogue on what we know and what we do not yet know is key to communication evidence.
Identifying the carers’ profiles of health literacy, eHealth literacy and caregiving concepts
Authors: Efthymiou A , Middleton N , Charalambous A , Papastavrou E 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Carers of people with dementia (PwD) undertake the role of supporting their relatives in everyday life and caring tasks, sometimes without adequate knowledge of the progression of the disease, practical advice and support mechanisms or services. This study aims to describe the Health Literacy (HL) and eHealth Literacy (eHL) profiles of carers of PwD in Greece and Cyprus and to explore associations with dimensions influenced by the delivery of care.

Methods
This descriptive correlational design study measured HL (HLS-EU-Q16 tool), eHL (eHeals-Carer) and dimensions of care (Brief-COPE, caregiving self-efficacy, COPE index and Multidimensional Perceived Social Support). In total, 174 primary carers of PwD and 67 secondary carers participated in a face-to-face survey. Correlation and regression analysis were performed to explore associations between the concepts of interest and cluster analysis (N = 123) to identify profiles of carers.

Results
Carers, primary and secondary, reported high scores of eHL and HL. HL scores were associated with eHL and both variables with the two dimensions of caregiving self-efficacy: “obtain respite” and “behavior management”. Three carers' profiles were identified: 1) carers with high levels of HL, eHL, Self-Efficacy and low coping strategies, 2) carers with problematic coping, negative caregiving perceptions, and lower HL and eHL, and 3) carers with high HL and eHL, with strong Social Network, high emotional-focused coping strategies and low problematic coping.

Conclusions
Understanding the role of HL and eHL in the caregiving process and identifying carers' profiles could assist healthcare professionals in their educational role with families and planning of care. There is a need to develop more ways to assess these concepts for this population and to develop training courses focusing on enhancing the HL skills of carers and healthcare professionals.
The COST action NET4AGE-friendly supported the conference participation.

Key messages
HL and eHL are related to the caregiving role and may not only influence health-related decisions made by the carers on behalf of their relatives but also their own self-efficacy and coping. HL and eHL should be appropriately assessed and taken into consideration by healthcare professionals in management plans for PwD and their families.
Can AI learn to identify systematic reviews on the effectiveness of public health interventions?
Authors: Read K , Husson H , Dobbins M 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Issue/problem
Health Evidence™ aims to make it easier for public health professionals and decision-makers to use evidence in their programs and policies. We provide access to over 7,000 critically appraised systematic reviews on the effectiveness of public health interventions. On average, 8,000-10,000 records are screened each month to identify around 50 relevant reviews that are critically appraised and uploaded to the registry. As the number of published reviews continues to grow each year, maintaining an up-to-date Registry is becoming increasingly resource intensive.

Description of the problem
Artificial intelligence (AI) may be one way to ensure maintenance of this Registry continues to be feasible. It is important that the use of AI is accurate and efficient to support monthly relevance screening for the Health Evidence ™ Registry. To assess if the use of AI is appropriate in this context, the team uploaded a large, labelled training set (n = 43,273) of relevant and non-relevant records to DistillerSR and used the AI Preview and Rank function to predict the probability of relevance to the Registry. We identified an optimal threshold (0.17) that automatically removes the greatest number of records with minimal classification errors. We then tested this threshold on one year of manually screened records (n = 89,832) from May 2019 to June 2020 to ensure continued accuracy.

Results
Using AI to support our monthly relevance screening has reduced our monthly manual screening burden by over 77% (from ∼9,000 references manually screened per month to ∼2,000) saving upwards of 10 hours staff time per month!

Lessons
The use of AI shows promise to help improve the feasibility of maintaining a large Registry of quality appraised synthesis level evidence relevant for public health decision making.

Key messages
Health Evidence™ provides easy access to high quality synthesis evidence relevant for public health. The use of AI shows promise for helping to automate the Health Evidence™ monthly update and improve the feasibility of maintaining a public health registry of quality appraised synthesis evidence.
Public Health Infographic Design for the public – the evidence base
Authors: Stones C 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
In order to make effective infographics, one needs to understand the science behind public health infographic design. This presentation introduces guidelines for public health infographic design based on gathered academic evidence of effectiveness as well as information design principles. We tackle the topic from a variety of angles exploring issues of attention, comprehension, recall and behavioral change and focuses on infographics designed for a lay audience. Despite the exhaustive research conducted on say, graph comprehension, there remains a gap in how we account for the effectiveness of public health infographic design more broadly. The presentation also covers a brief examination of ‘hidden' historical precedents for the design of engaging health infographics, beyond the oft-cited visual work of John Snow or Florence Nightingale. We argue that notions of data spectacle and the need to grab attention remain vital today. The presentation concludes by reflecting on the future of infographics for displaying public health data, particularly with reference to the use of COVID-19 graphics in 2020/21.
Mental health problems and COVID-19 – which came first, the chicken or the egg?
Authors: Belscak Colakovic A 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
It was very clear that the COVID-19 pandemic will have an impact on mental health from the first day that it was declared.However, the scale and magnitude of the impact changed as the pandemic persisted, progressed, and transformed. After a year of social distancing, distance education, and virtual concerts, the societal fabric has changed to such an extent that it will most likely produce a long lasting impact on public mental health. The presentation will focus on the indicators of public mental health obtained from the SI-PANDA research, a bi-weekly web panel survey with a nationally representative sample of 1000 respondents per each wave of the survey. The 5-item World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5) was used to measure mental health. A cut-off score of ≤ 50 was used to screen for mental health problems, and a cut-off score ≤28 to screen for major depression. Results of the repeated cross-sectional surveys indicate continuation of trends that were present pre-pandemic. Namely, higher prevalence of mental health problems among people with lower education, adolescents and young adults, people with pre-existing chronic conditions, and people experiencing worsening financial situation during the pandemic. Trends from SI-PANDA research show that the differences (or inequities) in mental health are deepening as the pandemic progresses. People with mental health problems are at greater risk of experiencing worsening mental health during the pandemic as well as experiencing other adverse health outcomes - which are themselves a risk factor for worsening mental health. Is the downward spiral of poor mental health and COVID-19 the story of health inequities or is it a new phenomenon built on top of inequitable society?
Gender issues and revival of inequalities
Authors: Hocevar Grom A , Buzeti T , Gabrijelčič Blenkuš M 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
In Slovenia, the share of the female workforce is one of the highest in the world, with almost 90 % of employed women by generation in some age groups in active years. COVID-19 syndemic has affected women far more than men in their daily working practices. We could observe higher educated women have been working from home in 36 %, in comparison to higher educated men (22,2 %). The difference is even bigger in lower educated women, working from home in 32 %, in comparison to mail workforce (14,7 %). That could mean they were taking care for children, supporting them in distance learning. At the same time, women are reporting on more intensive worsening of their financial situation in the last three months during COVID-19 syndemic - among higher educated women, 26,2 % report on worsen financial situation, in comparison to men with the same education (18,2 %). Comparable results we could observe in lower educated female (33,1 % with worsened financial situation) and male respondents (25,6 %). Women are also more doubtful and are refusing vaccination (33,9 %) in higher share than men (21,3%), putting themselves to higher risk for COVID-19 infection. It is of upmost importance for the governments at any level to consider the gender equity and female perspective of any measure, adopted in the recovery phase.
The impact of changes in working conditions, health behavior and BMI on work ability and health
Authors: van de Ven D , Robroek SJW , Oude Hengel KM , van Zon SKR , Brouwer S , Ots P , Burdorf A , Schuring M 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Research on how to improve work ability and health of workers is essential for prolongation of working lives. Therefore, this study assessed the impact of 1) within-individual improvements, and 2) within-individual deteriorations in working conditions, health behavior and BMI on changes in work ability and self-rated health among workers.

Methods
The Dutch Study on Transitions in Employment, Ability and Motivation (STREAM) was used to identify participants whose working conditions, health behavior, and BMI improved (N = 14,045) or deteriorated (N = 14,066) at least once during 7 year follow-up (2010-2017). The impact of within-individual improvements and deteriorations in health behavior (moderate- and vigorous physical activity, smoking status), BMI, psychosocial (psychological- and emotional job demands, autonomy, social support) and physical working conditions in a given year on changes in work ability (0-10 scale) and self-rated health (1-5 scale) in the same year were analyzed with fixed-effects regression models.

Results
Workers with deteriorated physical or psychosocial working conditions decreased in work ability (β's:-0.21 (95%CI: -0.25;-0.18) to -0.28 (95%CI: -0.33;-0.24)) and health (β's:-0.07 (95%CI: -0.09;-0.06) to -0.10 (95%CI: -0.12;-0.08)), whereas improvements were to a lesser extent associated with increased work ability (β's: 0.06 (95%CI: 0.02;0.09) to 0.11 (95%CI: 0.06;0.16)) and health (β's: 0.02 (95%CI: 0.00;0.03) to 0.04 (95%CI: 0.02;0.06)). Decreased physical activity and increased BMI were associated with reduced work ability and health. Workers whose BMI decreased or vigorous physical activity increased improved in health, but those with increased moderate or vigorous physical activity reduced in work ability. Quitting smoking was associated with reduced work ability and health.

Conclusions
Preventing deteriorations in working conditions and health behavior could be of importance for sustainable employability.

Key messages
Modification of working conditions and health promotion might contribute to sustained employability. Preventing deteriorations in working conditions might be of particular importance for prolongation of working lives.