bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with organized and non-organized colorectal cancer screening
Authors: Tran T-N , Van Hal G , Peeters M , Jidkova S , De Schutter H , Hoeck S 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Data on non-organized colorectal cancer screening using fecal occult blood tests (FOBTs) is currently lacking. We identified factors associated with organized and non-organized FOBT screening.

Methods
Data of 308 municipalities in Flanders (6.6 million residents, 57% of Belgium) during 2015-2017 were analyzed. Logistic regression with generalized estimating equations was used to assess associations between municipal characteristics and organized and non-organized screening coverages.

Results
Median organized screening coverage increased (36.4% to 40.1%) while non-organized screening coverage decreased (4.8% to 3.3%) in 2015-2017. Organized screening coverage was negatively associated with average income (OR = 0.97, 95%CI: 0.96-0.98) and percentage of people with a non-Belgian/Dutch nationality (OR = 0.962, 95%CI: 0.957-0.967). More older people (70-74) in the target screening population were related to lower coverages by both organized (OR = 0.98, 95%CI: 0.97-0.99) and non-organized screening (OR = 0.98, 95%CI: 0.96-0.999). Education level was positively associated with organized screening coverage (OR = 1.010, 95%CI: 1.008-1.011). While GP visit was positively associated with both organized and non-organized screening coverages, average number of patients per GP and having a global medical dossier handled by preferred GP showed more pronounced associations with non-organized screening (OR = 1.021, 95%CI: 1.016-1.026 and OR = 1.025, 95%CI: 1.018-1.031, respectively) compared to organized screening coverage.

Conclusions
Higher average income, lower average education level, more older people and people with foreign nationality were associated with lower organized screening coverage. GP involvement showed a positive association with non-organized screening. It seems that some GPs and screening-invited individuals are still not fully aware of the benefits of organized screening. Available instruments in screening programs should be optimized to fill this gap in knowledge.

Key messages
We identified factors associated with both organized and non-organized colorectal cancer screening using fecal occult blood tests (FOBTs). Based on this knowledge, strategies can be developed to promote screening among non-participants and encourage non-organized participants to switch to organized screening.
Experience with in-action reviewing at points of entry
Authors: de Rooij D , van de Watering M , van Dijk R , Appels R , Veenstra T , Swaan C , Timen A 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Lessons learned and experiences gained ask for enhancing the response even during a crisis. We present the application of the in-action review (IAR) of Dutch ports and airports, based on methods developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC).

Methods
We performed two separate IARs among Dutch airports (5/5) and ports (15/16) respectively. 1) A questionnaire among participants was used to decide upon most urgent matters to discuss during a 4-hour online meeting. 2) a 4-hour, interactive, online meeting was held among local representatives of points of entry, regional public health professionals, safety professionals, the national institute of public health and the ministry of health. Best practices, lessons, barriers and actions on different topics were first prepared in small groups, and discussed and finalized in plenary sessions. Follow-up of actions was performed during the consecutive 6 weeks at the moment of writing. A questionnaire among participants evaluated satisfaction and impact of the IAR among participants.

Results
Main items for the online meetings were the implementation of measures, and regional and supra-regional collaboration. Most urgent actions formulated were a better integration of local needs into national policy making, and enhancing contacts among different points of entry. Implemented actions include the integration of local public health authorities involved at airports into an existing meeting structure at the national level; and an inter-port meeting structure that was developed leading to 3-weekly meetings to discuss upcoming challenges and exchange practices and advice.

Conclusions
This is to our best knowledge the first time that an in-action review has been performed specifically for the point of entry setting. Performing IARs, online with operational partners led to quick wins and a better network during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Healthcare service provision and injuries in the time of COVID-19 pandemic: A legal and regulatory perspective
Authors: Lingri D , Petelos E 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
This study will describe the current legal and regulatory frameworks implemented during the different phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, assessing how well they worked. It will offer insights regarding coverage and reimbursement for specific health and social care services for people having suffered severe injuries in the context of providing work under particular circumstances, often far removed from their regular working space. Working environments and spaces, as well as overall working conditions, have been radically changed in a sudden and unexpected way. Jobs have been placed at risk, with many disproportionally affected by the lack of supporting mechanisms. New working routines have impacted the lives of many, altering not only working, but also disrupting living patterns. There is a strong emerging need to adapt the legal and regulatory framework related to health and social care services provision, in terms of prevention but also in relation to coverage and reimbursement. New injury patterns and new forms of injury, incl. in relation to mental health, have arisen. They are coupled with burden-of-proof challenges and the need to rebalance social rights. Unprecedented legal and regulatory measures were required to mitigate the social and economic effects of this global health emergency on businesses, workers and citizens. In this context of limitation of individual rights and social freedoms, questions of implementation of EU and international conventions arose (TFEU, ECHR, ILO), while legal and regulatory measures had to be enacted in order to create effective framework for pricing and reimbursement of the specific injuries, during emerging circumstances. Balancing sustainability, burden-of-proof issues and social rights through a comprehensive methodological framework can help resolve ambiguities that often leaded to litigation and, at the same time, resolve the issues of proportionality and legitimate aim in terms of the adopted regulations.
Children of problem gamblers: need for support, utilization of services and prevention policy
Authors: Fischer L , Klein M 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Problem gambling is an emerging European public health concern. In Germany, 25 to 33% of the approximately 229,000 problem gamblers are also fathers or mothers of minor children. This suggests a high number of children exposed to parental gambling, who are a high-risk group for the development of addictive disorders and other psychological, somatic, and social problems. Unlike in children of parents with a substance-related addiction, the effects of parental problem gambling are under-researched and exposed children often remain underserved. In Germany, this study is the first of its kind to explore the service needs and use of services of the targeted group.

Methods
Survey research with an explorative mixed-methods design was conducted in a non-representative sample (n = 67) of adolescent and adult children of problem gamblers in Germany. Data on the need for support and use of services was assessed in structured interviews and analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis.

Results
Preliminary findings in the sample (n = 67, 56,7% male, mean age 28 years (SD = 6.966)) show a great need for support in many areas of life (e.g. family, substance use and gambling behaviour, mental health) and a low utilization of services. Exploring the need for support retrospectively, primarily (1) professional support, especially systemic / family-based support, (2) support and exchange via a trustee, (3) easily accessible services, (4) the desire for psychoeducation and transparency, (5) distancing from the gambling parent, and (6) parental willingness and ability to maintain abstinence, were considered helpful.

Conclusions
Children of problem gamblers show great need of support, but low utilization of services. Further research on the practical implementation of targeted, early, easily accessible, sustainable and transgenerational prevention is a necessary measure in the delivery of care to (children from) families affected by problem gambling.

Key messages
Retrospectively, children of problem gamblers express a high need of easily accessible, professional and especially family-based support and the desire for transparency and psychoeducation. Next to universal prevention, selective prevention efforts targeting children exposed to parental problem gambling are needed to reach the families at risk.
Housing and health: a collaborative project for evidence-based policy-making
Authors: Sáenz de Tejada C , Daher C , Hidalgo L , Vidal Corsà L , Font Morera AM , Torrentó Marselles JR , Chamorro Moreno C 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Issue
The potential to improve health and equity through better housing is well established. However, housing policies (mainly focused on energy efficiency) have not fully integrated health.

Description
Within the Urban Environment and Health Project of the Diputació de Barcelona, their Housing and Public Health Offices and the Barcelona Institute for Global Health undertook the first phase (May-December 2020) of a collaborative project on housing and health. Focused on the physical dwelling, a map of health risk factors (linked to thermal comfort, environmental and spatial quality), a literature review of each factor, and a list of local health-promoting housing programs were elaborated. Issues addressed included: (a) most relevant home factors affecting health; (b) evidence of poor housing conditions impacting physical, mental, and social health of residents; (c) housing improvements with documented positive health benefits. The second phase (March-December 2021) uses the same methods to address two new housing dimensions: residential environment and community.

Results
Recent research on housing and health explores the potential accumulative/synergistic effects of combined exposures, as additional poor housing parameters (e.g. low indoor air quality, lack of natural light, pest problems, material damage) correlate with poorer health status and higher use of medical resources. Through this collaborative project, increased awareness among local officers has led to preliminary context-specific criteria and parameters to promote healthy homes beyond compliance with current building codes, especially aimed at increasing maintenance and renovation standards in older neighborhoods of Barcelona.

Lessons
Collaboration between stakeholders allows for rich and innovative perspectives and encourages multisectoral actions. Context-specific health costs/benefits analyses are needed to facilitate development and implementation of housing policies with health at its core.

Key messages
Housing policies should have a holistic approach of health risks, redounding in housing policies improvement. Collaborative projects between academic institutions and local governments encourage pivotal evidence-based housing policy-making.
Impact of a CE-marked medical software sensor on SARS-CoV-2 disease pandemic progression estimation
Authors: Limingoja L , Antila KM , Jormanainen V , Jägerroos V , Soininen L , Nordlund H , Vepsäläinen K , Kaikkonen R , Lallukka T 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
To address the current and any future pandemic, we need a robust, real-time and population-scale collection of data. Rapid and comprehensive knowledge on the trends in reported symptoms in populations provides an earlier window into our progress against the viral spread, and helps predict the need and timing of professional healthcare. We thus used a CE-marked medical online symptom checker service and validated the data against national demand of care to estimate the progression of the pandemic in Finland.

Methods
Our data comprised real-time ©Omaolo Covid-19 symptom checker responses (414 477 in total) and daily admission counts in nationwide inpatient and outpatient registers provided by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare 16th March-15th June, 2020 (the first wave of the pandemic in Finland). The questionnaires responses provide self-triage information input to a medically qualified algorithm that produces a personalized probability of having the Covid-19 and provides graded recommendations for further actions. We trained linear regression and XGBoost models together with F-Score and mutual information feature pre-selectors to predict the admissions 1 week ahead.

Results
Our models reached a MAPE (Mean Absolute Percentage Error) between 24.2% and 36.4% and MdAPE (Median Average Percentage Error) between 20.1% and 25.1% in predicting national daily patient admissions. The best result was achieved by combining both ©Omaolo and historical patient admission counts. Our best predictor was linear regression with mutual information as the pre-selector with slight advantage over XGBoost.

Conclusions
Accurate short-term predictions of Covid-19 patient admissions can be made, and both the symptom check questionnaires and the daily admissions data contribute to the accuracy of the predictions. Thus, symptoms checkers can be used to estimate the progression of the pandemic, which can be considered when predicting the health care burden in a future pandemic.

Key messages
Digital surveillance of symptoms enables rapid and contactless tracing of epidemic progression. Prediction models can help support medical decision making in an epidemic to promote and protect public health and prevent health care system overload.
The isolation room of the future: changing the perspective on isolated care
Authors: Eilers R , Haverkate M , Nijnenhuis J , Timen A 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem worldwide. Several measures are taken when identified carriers of antibiotic resistant bacteria (such as MRSA) are admitted to a hospital: patients stay in an isolation room and healthcare workers have to put on personal protective equipment (PPE) before entering the isolation room. Previous research on experiences of isolated care shows that patients felt lonely, forgotten and stigmatized while healthcare personnel felt guilty for bundling their contact moments. Therefore, an innovation project has been set up to re-design the concept of an isolation room: the isolation room of the future. The isolation room of the future concentrates around providing enhancements for communication and interaction, comfort and accessibility and architecture and interior design, while taking into account the infection prevention regulations for isolation rooms in hospitals. The interior of the isolation room of the future consists of biophilic elements, including photo wallpaper, transparent walls, surfaces that mimic natural materials, and natural and dynamic light; creating a positive healing and working environment for patients, staff and visitors. Transparent walls also allow easy communication between patients and healthcare workers without the need for the PPE. Furthermore, a transfer hatch is installed to easily serve meals and drinks to the patient. A modular furniture set-up will ensure the most optimum use of space in the room. The isolation room of the future does not necessarily need to be built as a whole; specific elements can implemented depending on needs, finances and possibilities. We hope that these practical solutions might inspire healthcare facilities worldwide to re-think the concept of an isolation room to improve the experiences of people involved in isolated care. This approach is useful for a broader range of infections with pathogens that require isolation precautions, among which SARS-CoV-2.

Key messages
A change on perspective of isolated care is needed. Although based on experiences with resistant bacteria, the isolation room of the future useful for a broader range of infections with pathogens that require isolation precautions.
A cross-country comparison on providing health services effectively during the first wave of COVID-19
Authors: Webb E , Hernández-Quevedo C , Williams G , Scarpetti G , Reed S , Panteli D 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, health care providers had to abruptly change their way of providing care in order to simultaneously plan for and manage a rise of COVID-19 cases while maintaining essential health services. Even the most well-resourced health systems faced pressures from new challenges brought on by COVID-19, and every country had to make difficult choices about how to maintain access to essential care while treating a novel communicable disease. Using the information available on the HSRM platform from the early phases of the pandemic, we analyze how countries planned services for potential surge capacity, designed patient flows ensuring separation between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients, and maintained routine services in both hospital and outpatient settings. Many country responses displayed striking similarities despite very real differences in the organization of health and care services. These include transitioning the management of COVID-19 mild cases from hospitals to outpatient settings, increasing the use of remote consultations, and cancelling or postponing non-urgent services during the height of the first wave. In the immediate future, countries will have to continue balancing care for COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients to minimize adverse health outcomes, ideally with supporting guidelines and COVID-19-specific care zones. Many countries expect to operate at lower capacity for routinely provided care, which will impact patient access and waiting times. Looking forward, policymakers will have to consider whether strategies adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic will become permanent features of care provision.
Changes in smoking, stress, and sleep duration among Israeli hospital workers during COVID-19
Authors: Bar-Zeev Y , Shauly-Aharonov M , Neumark Y , Hirshoren N 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially among frontline health workers, have been widely noted. The aim of this study was to explore smoking behaviour changes and associations with perceived changes in stress levels and sleep duration among Israeli hospital workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods
An online cross-sectional survey was conducted (May-June, 2020) among employees of a large tertiary medical centre. Data collected included socio-demographic characteristics, smoking status, perceptions of risk for COVID-19 infection and disease severity, presence of a chronic illness, COVID-19 exposure and infection status, involvement in treating COVID-19 patients, changes in stress levels, sleep duration, and in smoking behaviour during the pandemic. Multi-nominal logistic regression modelling assessed the effect of covariates on smoking behaviour changes.

Results
More than half (59%) of the 920 respondents, reported an increase in stress levels, and 28% reported changes in sleep duration. One-third (35%) of current smokers (n = 132) reported smoking more during COVID-19. Increased smoking was associated with increased stress (OR = 3.45; 95% CI 1.2-9.4). In addition, a significant association was demonstrated between an increase in sleeping hours and a decrease in smoking (OR = 6.62, 95% CI 1.2-32). The negative association between changes in smoking and sleep duration was strongest among smokers who reported perceived levels of stress to be the same or slightly higher than pre-COVID-19.

Conclusions
The mental health implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically for health workers, include negative changes in smoking behaviours and sleep patterns. Mental health support for health workers should address smoking behaviours alongside stress-management skills and coping strategies. Lessons learned from the current pandemic should guide us as the world prepares for a future health crisis.

Key messages
Increased stress was linked with increased smoking among Israeli hospital workers during COVID-19. Mental health support should target smoking together with offering stress-management skills.
Healthy Design and Urban Planning Strategies framing the SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
Authors: Rebecchi A , Capolongo S 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
According to the “Urban Health Rome Declaration” at European meeting “G7 Health” that defines the strategic aspects and actions to improve Public Health into the cities, and referring to the Agenda 2030 in which the 11th SDG argue about “Sustainable Cities and Communities. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable”, one of the most expressive syntheses of the challenging relationship between urban planning and Public Health is stated by WHO (2016): “Health is the precondition of urban sustainable development and the first priority for urban planners”. Referring to the Healthy Cities & Urban Health definitions, we can consider Public Health not merely an aspect of health protection and promotion, but an individual and collective condition, strongly influenced by the environmental context and by the strategies implemented by local Governments. The “Health in All Policies” strategy, clearly underlines how health doesn't depend only on the supply of the healthcare services, but also, on the quality of outdoor and indoor living environments. Aim of the Presentation 3 is the share the findings of a literature review about the link between the urban contexts' morphological and functional features; the results are divided into: 14 Health Outcomes, representing the main Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) whose come from the urban environment's quality and by the adoption of healthy lifestyles; 8 types of Environmental Risk Factors (Urban Heat Island Effect; soil/air/acoustic/light pollution; vehicular traffic; Safety & Security; weak attractiveness of places); and 14 Healthy Urban Planning Strategies (green/blue/grey infrastructures; biodiversity protection; adverse meteoric events management; public transport systems; vehicular traffic reduction; pedestrian and cycling paths; social and functional mix; urban solid waste's management; renewable energy and efficiency; outdoor spaces lighting; Design for All).