bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
10.K. Workshop: How to upscale in capacity in different aspects of preparedness and response
Authors:   Organised by: RIVM (Netherlands),   Chair persons: Bettie Voordouw (Netherlands), Michael Edelstein (EUPHA-IDC)
Published: October 2021

Abstract

The magnitude of the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed that the international community was not ready for a public health emergency of this scale. Countries around the world with varying demographic and economic situations struggle to deal with the number of SARS-CoV-2 infections and hospitalisations. There has been a scramble for all types of resources, ranging from personal protective equipment, to testing capacity, to vaccines. During this workshop, we will present scientific research which focuses on how European countries have attempted to deal with these capacity shortages in the period of the first SARS-CoV-2 pandemic wave in European countries as well as the subsequent period. Each presentation will focus on a specific capacity or domain of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, they will also all provide information on what went well and what did not go well in the attempt to increase capacity. The objective of the workshop is twofold. Firstly, it is to provide the audience with scientific research which aims to have a better understanding of both the capacity issues which have been identified in the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the (potential) solutions to increase capacity during inter-pandemic times and future pandemics. Secondly, it is to provide the opportunity for audience to discuss about the findings and interact with the authors.
The structure of the workshop will be as follows: The session starts with two thought-provoking statements related to the first two presentations. The audience will be given the opportunity to react to these thoughts using a voting tool and via the chat. This will prime the audience for the upcoming presentations and invite them to participate interactively during the workshop. In the next 15 minutes, the first two presentations will take place. The presenters will end once again with the aforementioned statements. The audience will be given the opportunity to react by asking clarifying questions, respond to, or challenge the statements. After this discussion ends, the same process will take place for the next two presentations.

Key messages
During preparedness, more attention should be paid to the estimated capacity needs during response. The mobilization of existing resource capacity, and of mechanisms to upscale capacity when shortages are likely to occur, require more structured approaches.
Online respondent-driven detection for enhanced contact tracing of COVID-19
Authors: Helms Y 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Contact tracing (CT) is a core intervention in the global COVID-19 response, but it is a laborious task for the public health professionals (PHPs) who execute CT. In many countries, the workload associated with CT of COVID-19 exceeded available resources for CT. Online respondent-driven detection (RDD) is an innovative method for case finding that can enhance CT efficiency, through active involvement of index cases and contacts in the execution of CT. This can accelerate CT and decrease PHPs' workload. However, it is unclear if and why (not) PHPs want to apply RDD for CT of COVID-19 and what they need to this purpose.

Methods
This mixed methods study is undertaken in the Netherlands and Germany. We developed an interview guide based on the ‘reasoned action approach' to elicit factors that influence PHPs' intention to apply RDD for CT of COVID-19 and their needs. We conducted 17 semi-structured interviews with Dutch PHPs - and will conduct 6-10 interviews with German PHPs involved in CT of COVID-19. Based on the interviews, an online questionnaire is developed to validate the qualitative findings in a larger population of PHPs.

Preliminary results
Dutch PHPs believe that RDD facilitates autonomous participation of index cases and contacts and, conversely, less control of PHPs in CT. PHPs anticipated that this could impact the quality and efficiency of CT, and the delivery of - and compliance with - control measures. Several factors, e.g. the available CT-capacity and the anticipated skills and willingness of index cases and contacts to participate in RDD, influenced PHPs' intention to apply RDD for CT of COVID-19. PHPs expressed a need to retain opportunities to support and guide index cases and contacts in CT and to maintain oversight over the CT-process.

Conclusions
RDD can support PHPs and enhance CT during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and future large scale outbreaks of infectious diseases. In order to be properly applied, PHPs' needs should be addressed.
10.L. Workshop: City-level action to promote public health
Authors:   Organised by: Vital Strategies,   Chair persons: Sumi Mehta (USA), Sylviane Ratte (France)
Published: October 2021

Abstract

With over 50% of the world's population living in cities, urban action on health is a foremost global priority. This workshop will highlight the essential role city governments play in developing and implementing policies and practices to prevent noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and injuries. Although traditionally perceived as the domain of national governments, actions to protect citizens from risk factors- including air quality, speeding and unsafe road conditions- that cause NCDs and injuries are readily being adopted and implemented by cities. This is due to both the magnitude of the chronic disease and injury burden and the subsequent need for immediate action, and the proximity local governments have to directly changing environments to improve health outcomes. The World Health Organization's (WHO) European Healthy Cities Network has long supported cities in the region in their efforts to put health at the centre of their social, political and economic agendas. This work has been formative in drawing attention to the role of cities. The presentations in this panel will provide specific practice examples of the principles upheld by that network. The workshop will present a diverse set of case studies illuminating city responses to NCDs and injuries, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. By doing so, the discussion will demonstrate the value of what empowered, committed and well-resourced local governments - specifically Health and Transportation Departments - can do to reduce death and disability in urban settings. Showcasing these examples will also provide workshop participants with practical examples of how policy and practice are translated from the global and national to the local level in a variety of geographical settings, and the different ways in which context has been taken into account during implementation. The result will be an exchange of good practices that will hopefully spur other cities and relevant stakeholders to pursue similar interventions in their own municipalities.

Key messages
City-level action can effectively address leading risk factors to health. Exchanging learnings from city experiences can lead to replication and adaptation in other cities.
Competences in Health Network Management (Com.HeNet)
Authors: Behrens Y , Cassens C 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Health regions are geographically defined clusters that serve to coordinate health and social care for the population. For this purpose, networks are formed consisting of actors from the health care sector and its environment. These networks exist in various stages in a few European countries, e.g. in Germany and Austria. In order to improve health care in Europe, the Com.HeNet project aims to provide training in the management of health regions with a European standard.
Com.HeNet: The Erasmus+ project Competences in Health Network Management aims to develop curriculum modules for the training of regional health network managers. The modules should correspond to the European standard. By completing the modules, health professionals should be able to implement and manage a health network at regional level. The required competences for the management of health regions were collected in the international consortium in six European countries and transferred into a European core competence profile. This serves as a basis for the development of the teaching modules. In addition, the requirements for a data system are identified and described.

Presentation
The presentation Competences in Health Network Management introduces the project Com.HeNet. The structure and process of the project will be explained. Potentials for further European developments will be discussed. The presentation also serves as an introduction to the subsequent lectures.

Main message
European health care management curricula have the potential to improve European health care.
Impacts of local area public sector spending and food purchasing in England: a panel study
Authors: Jenkins RH , Mason KE , Vamos EP , Taylor-Robinson D , Laverty AA 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
The UK adopted austerity policies in 2010, leading to reduced public sector spending. Reductions in local authority (LA) highways and transport expenditure may affect food access, and decreases in LA housing service expenditure may reduce financial resources for many. Impacts of these changes on food purchasing have not yet been investigated.

Methods
We used publicly available data for 324 English LAs between 2008-15. Highways and transport service expenditure and housing service expenditure were the exposures, log transformed to account for diminishing returns. Food purchasing outcomes were fresh fruit and vegetables; foods high in fat, salt, and sugars (HFSS); and takeaways, as a proportion of total food and drink purchases. We used fixed effects linear regression models adjusting for local socio-demographics with robust standard errors. We stratified by Index of Multiple Deprivation and rural/urban area status.

Results
A 10% reduction in highways and transport expenditure was associated with a 0.005 (p = 0.002) percentage point decrease in fruit and vegetable purchases and a 0.006 (p = 0.010) percentage point increase in takeaway purchases, both as a proportion of total food and drink purchasing. Both results were only statistically significant in urban areas when stratified by rural/urban area status. A 10% decrease in housing expenditure was associated with a 0.006 percentage point decrease in HFSS purchasing as a proportion of total food and drink expenditure (p = 0.001).

Conclusions
This is the first time that impacts of reductions in public sector spending on food purchasing have been investigated. Our research highlights that these changes may affect diets of the whole population in addition to existing evidence around impacts on foodbank use. Reductions in public spending may impact food purchasing, suggesting that austerity policies may have impacts on diets and health. Further research at the individual level is needed.

Key messages
To our knowledge, our research is the first time impacts of reductions in public sector spending on food purchases have been investigated. Reductions in local authority highways and transport and housing service expenditure may lead to decreased fruit and vegetables and unhealthy food purchases and increased takeaway purchases.
Healthcare system delay and utilization in tuberculosis patients in Portuguese high-incidence region
Authors: Vales L , Soares P , Nunes C , Lopes S 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
In Portugal, the Tâmega e Sousa region (TeS) has a high incidence of tuberculosis (TB) [27.4 and 43.8 per 100.000 inhabitants in sub-regions Baixo Tâmega (BxT) and Vale do Sousa Sul (VSS), 2017]. Delay in TB diagnosis leads to increased transmission, which may lead to more people infected. This study aimed to describe healthcare system delay among TB patients and healthcare utilization from symptoms onset to diagnosis in TeS.

Methods
We analysed pulmonary TB cases notified in BxT and VSS in 2014-7 in the national surveillance system (SVIG-TB). Concomitantly, we analysed healthcare utilisation from patients in a retrospective study (URBAN-TB) about TB delays in 2019-20. We characterised demographics of patients from each data source and comorbidities from SVIG-TB. We calculated median overall delay until diagnosis (days); and healthcare delay overall and by patient characteristics, for each sub-region. Delay was calculated only when relevant dates were recorded. Healthcare utilisation from symptoms onset to diagnosis was described using the frequency of each first contact provider and the average number of visits until diagnosis.

Results
Included 139 patients from BxT and 206 from VSS (83% male, 53% aged 40-59y, and 17% with silicosis). Global delays were 48 and 75 days (n = 57/132; BxT and VSS). Healthcare delays were 7 and 8 days (n = 76/180; BxT and VSS). In both ACES, healthcare delays were longer for patients aged 60-79y, with COPD and aged 0-19y. Healthcare utilisation analysis included 38 patients (89% male; 55% aged 40-59y; n = 17/21). Primary care (n = 15; 39%) and emergency department (ED) (n = 9; 24%) were frequent points of first contact. The average number of visits until diagnosis was higher for patients from ED (3.9) and lower for patients from TB specialised units (1.3).

Conclusions
Our results suggest that in TeS it is important to avoid ED as a point of first contact of TB patients and to facilitate the diagnosis in young, older and COPD patients.

Key messages
Emergency department is a relevant point of first contact and may be included in efforts to reduce tuberculosis delay. Policies to reduce tuberculosis delay may target younger, older and COPD patients.
Employment gaps of foreign-born women in Finland: an intercategorical intersectionality approach
Authors: Yuksel H , Rask S , Lilja E , Velázquez RG , Kuusio H 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Previous studies have shown that foreign-born women have multiple disadvantages in the Finnish labor market leading to an employment gap between foreign-born women, foreign born men and the general population. The employment gap negatively affects the lives of many women and their children (e.g. poverty), contributing to disparities in health and wellbeing, as well as underutilization and waste of human capital in the society.

Methods
Using data from the cross-sectional survey on well-being among foreign born population (FinMonik), conducted in Finland 2018, we compared employment outcomes and the prevalence of different barriers to working life across studied population groups, aged 25-64, representing different ethnic backgrounds, genders and education levels. We employed an intercategorical intersectionality approach that uses categories to make visible which differences carry significance and how multiple simultaneous disadvantages intersect to produce inequities in full- and part-time employment outcomes. Analysis weights were applied in the analyses.

Results
Labor market outcomes showed wide variation across genders, ethnic backgrounds and education levels both within and between studied groups. Highly educated Estonian women had the highest rate of full-time employment 73% (95% CI [59.3, 83.1]), while highly educated women from African countries (excl. North Africa) and North Africa and Middle East lagged behind all migrant groups, with full-time employment around 42% and 34 % (95% CI [23.3, 63] and [20.6, 50.2], respectively). Low educated Estonians had the highest full-time employment rate, 69% (95% CI [61.5, 75.8]), exceeding that of general population, 55% (95% CI [53.2, 56.5]).

Conclusions
The results suggest that intersectionality of ethnicity, gender and education level have impacts on labor market participation. The most marginalized groups are disproportionately affected by inequities and exclusionary practices in the Finnish labor market.

Key messages
Distinct employment gaps between population groups demonstrate how multiply disadvantaged groups face multiple barriers in working life. To improve health equity, solutions are needed to remove structural barriers to employment that unfairly disadvantage certain groups of people.
European burden of cancer in 2020 attributable to alcohol use
Authors: Rumgay H , Shield K , Charvat H , Ferrari P , Lemmens V , Rehm J , Soerjomataram I 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Alcohol use can increase the risk of at least seven different cancer types. We present regional and national estimates of alcohol-attributable cancer burden in 2020 to inform alcohol policy and cancer control in Europe.

Methods
In this population-based study, we calculated population attributable fractions (PAFs) using relative risk estimates and alcohol use prevalence by age, sex, and country. Assuming a 10-year latency period between alcohol consumption and cancer occurrence, we used alcohol consumption prevalence from 2010 and GLOBOCAN 2020 data to estimate new cancer cases attributable to alcohol consumption. We also calculated the contribution of moderate (&lt;20 g alcohol per day), risky (20 to 60 g per day), and heavy (&gt;60 g per day) drinking to the total alcohol-attributable cancer burden.

Results
Within Europe, an estimated 181,000, or 4%, of all new cases of cancer in 2020 were attributable to alcohol consumption. Males represented two thirds (68%) of the total alcohol-attributable cancer cases in Europe. The cancer sites which contributed the most alcohol-attributable cases were cancers of the colorectum (59,000 cases), breast (38,500 cases), and oral cavity (22,000 cases). Among women in the European regions, the burden of alcohol-attributable cancers was highest in Western Europe and Northern Europe; among men, the burden was highest in Central and Eastern Europe. Heavy drinking contributed most to the burden of alcohol-attributable cancers in Europe (52% of alcohol-attributable cases), and risky and moderate drinking contributed 37% and 11%, respectively.

Conclusions
Our findings highlight the need for effective policies to increase awareness of the link between alcohol use and cancer and decrease overall alcohol consumption to reduce this preventable burden of cancer in Europe.

Key messages
An estimated 181,000 cancers in Europe in 2020 were attributable to alcohol use. Effective policies are needed to increase awareness of the link between alcohol and cancer and decrease alcohol use in Europe.
Online-based intervention on LGBTI+ health promotion in Brazil: development and preliminary impacts
Authors: Signorelli M , Polidoro M , Canavese D 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Brazil reports public healthcare gaps concerning lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI+) people. Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are online-based teaching interventions, however their use is still scarce in Brazil. We aim to describe the development and to analyze preliminary impacts of the first online-based intervention through MOOCs for LGBTI+ health promotion in Brazil.

Methods
We adopted mixed qualitative and quantitative approaches, based on participatory-action research: 1) to design the content and format of the MOOC, we conducted 10 focus groups during 2018 and 2019 with key stakeholders in three different Brazilian State capitals, identifying needs and challenges and linking it with guidelines of the National Policy for Comprehensive Health of LGBTI+ people; 2) based on step 1, we developed the MOOC, producing reading content, video-classes and multimedia; 3) we quantitatively analyzed, through a survey, its impact and reach after six months.

Results
The results showed that: a) focus groups were essentials to inform the priorities to design a tailored MOOC; b) the MOOC had 30 hours of autonomous learning activities divided into two modules, with problem-based evaluation; c) the first ten-month of the course had a total of 5,000 people enrolled with a completion rate of approximately 30%; d) 1,700 successfully completed the course; e) 582 participants joined the survey post-course evaluation and for 370 (63.6%) of them, this was the first training activity on LGBTI+ health.

Conclusions
Results point to a high interest in LGBTI+ health and high demand for training on this topic among health professionals. The MOOC format was successful and reliable in enabling the teaching-learning process.

Key messages
Participatory action research was able to inform the content of the first MOOC for LGBTI+ health in Brazil. The MOCC had high interest, and for the majority of concluding participants it was the first activity and formal education about LGBTI+ health.
Secondary cancer prevention among the youth: research status and policy recommendations for the EU
Authors: Mayer A , Kosir U , Feliu Josna A , Stojanovska M , Mehmetbeyli L , van Egmond S , Miotto E , Rotberga L , Margaryan Y , Chierigo F 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
In early 2021, Europe's Beating Cancer Plan was announced on World Cancer Day. While the European Commission's plan does not include a focus on secondary cancers prevention, the secondary cancers are the sixth most common group of malignanciesThe review aims to 1) synthesize the existing approaches and interventions for cancer prevention in young cancer patients and survivors, 2) deliver evidence-based recommendations for how to best adapt the existing cancer prevention guidelines for young cancer survivors including children, adolescents or young adults (AYA).

Methods
Four major databases (PubMed, Web of Science and PsycINFO, PsycNET) were screened for relevant literature on cancer prevention in childhood and AYA cancer patients and survivors using a combination of terms.

Results
The search yielded 2,712 unique articles from which 32 met the inclusion criteria. Few existing studies focus on AYA or directly address cancer prevention in young survivors. More emphasis is needed on other preventative measures beyond healthy diet and physical exercise.

Conclusions
This review revealed a gap in the translational research in cancer prevention for young people with cancer. The findings emphasize that childhood and AYA cancer patients and survivors need not be overlooked. A pan-European research framework for prevention of second primary cancer among young people is recommended to gain knowledge on how to best adapt the measures against second primary cancers in youth.

Key messages
Developing targeted cancer prevention measures in young cancer survivors may lower the burden of second primary cancers as well as attenuate the fear of recurrence, one of the most prevalent worries. A pan-European research framework for prevention of second primary cancer among young people is recommended to gain knowledge on how to best adapt the measures against second primary cancers in youth.