bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impacts of UK coronavirus virus job retention (furlough) scheme on mental health
Authors: Akanni L , Deeming C , Adjei N , Wickham S , Taylor-Robinson D 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
In March 2020, the UK government introduced the pandemic-induced job retention scheme, known as furlough. The scheme provided grants to employers, to retain their workforce by subsidizing up to 80% of wages. While the scheme was aimed at preventing unemployment during lockdowns, it also came with wage loss, with implications for mental health for affected workers, although evidence is limited. Therefore, we aimed to explore the impact of the furlough scheme on mental health in the UK

Methods
We explored longitudinal data from the UK’s Understanding Society Survey between 2019 and 2021, including nine COVID waves. We matched a sample of furloughed and non-furloughed workers using various covariates. Mental health was measured using General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12, scored 0-36). We estimated difference-in-differences models to explore the heterogeneous causal effects on mental health of workers participation and exit from the furlough scheme. We further considered the effects of being furloughed contrasted with becoming unemployed during the pandemic

Results
The estimated average treatment effect (-0.53 [95% CI: -0.91 - -0.16]) suggests that being furloughed had significant positive impact on mental health, while exiting from furlough due to changes requiring workers to work minimum hours increased the incidence of poor mental health 0.41 [95% CI: -0.11 - 0.92]. However, compared to becoming unemployed, being furloughed improved mental health by around -0.42 [95% CI: -0.75 - -0.09] GHQ points.

Conclusions
Policies that mitigate the economic impact of the pandemic also had psychological effects on the population. Even though there were mixed effects of coronavirus-induced social restrictions and lockdowns. Furlough reduced the psychological risks associated with the pandemic job loss, while exiting the scheme increased the incidence of poor mental health. This could be explained by substantial decline in the generosity of the scheme by up to 40%.

Key messages
• Job loss during the pandemic had deteriorating mental health effects.
• Government contribution to furloughed workers’ wages minimizes the incidence of mental health distress.
Examining factors associated with cocaine use in late adolescence and early adulthood
Authors: Brennan M M , Cavallaro M , Mongan D , Millar S R , Galvin B , Ivers J H , Zgaga L , Smyth B , McCrory C , McCarthy N 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
In 2022, cocaine was the leading problem drug for which individuals sought treatment in Ireland, overtaking opioids for the first time. Despite increasing concerns about cocaine, there is limited longitudinal research examining factors associated with cocaine use in the general youth population. We describe levels of use and associated factors at 17 and 20 years old

Methods
Past-year cocaine use was studied at age 17 (N = 5965) and 20 (N = 4679) in a nationally representative cohort. Individual, family, social and environmental exposure variables were selected a priori. Weighted logistic regression models were fitted using Generalised Estimating Equations to multiply imputed and complete case data.

Results
Cocaine use was reported by 220 (4%) at age 17, and 1072 (23%) at age 20. Both individual and community factors predict use. Earlier alcohol initiation and having friends who use cannabis were strongly associated with increased odds of cocaine use at both ages. Those with parents who reported that neighbourhood intoxication or drug-taking was common had elevated odds of cocaine use at age 17.

Conclusions
Past-year cocaine use at 20 years old in this cohort is substantially higher than other international cohort studies. Levels of cocaine use increase significantly between 17 and 20 years old.
Acknowledgement: Growing Up in Ireland (GUI) is funded by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY). It is managed by DCEDIY in association with the Central Statistics Office (CSO). Results in this report are based on analyses of data from Research Microdata Files provided by the CSO. Neither the CSO nor DCEDIY take any responsibility for the views expressed or the outputs generated from these analyses.

Key messages
• Our study underscores significant cocaine use rates and correlations with early substance initiation and neighbourhood factors.
• This emphasizes the necessity of a comprehensive, multilevel strategy for preventing cocaine use.
Inclusive, needs-based research for addressing Health Literacy in Parents with immigrant backgrounds
Authors: Riiser K , Macintyre A , Haraldstad K , Hesselberg H , Helseth S 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Research indicates that parental health literacy is associated with child health outcomes. A 2021 study by the Norwegian Public Health Department found that certain immigrant groups struggle with health literacy due to language barriers, cultural differences in understanding of health and illness, and unfamiliarity with the Norwegian health system and services. To reduce differences in health literacy and better support parents with immigrant backgrounds to make health promoting choices for their children, and navigate the Norwegian health and social systems effectively, we need knowledge about their resources, challenges, and needs. This knowledge makes it possible to design strategies to promote parental health literacy and make health services more responsive to the needs of the population. Optimising health literacy amongst parents with immigrant backgrounds (OPAL) is a research collaboration between Oslo Metropolitan University and the Bjerke City District, one of the most culturally and linguistically diverse districts in Oslo. Applying the Optimising Health Literacy and Access (Ophelia) process, parents health professionals, and researchers work systematically together to develop knowledge of parents’ health literacy, identify priority areas for research, design and implement effective solutions in primary health care. In this presentation, we will describe how OPAL is rooted in the strategic priorities of the city district, how the project applies methods for needs identification and involves users and stakeholders at all stages. We will share experiences from planning and conducting inclusive data collection, preliminary results and describe how results will be used in development of targeted health literacy actions.
Living conditions in Italian administrative detention centres for migrants: a scoping review
Authors: Mazzalai E , Caminada S , Giannini D , Marchetti G , Angelozzi A , Gatta A , De Marchi C , Turatto F , Declich S , Marceca M 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Since 2011, Italy has experienced a growing flow of migrants, despite the implementation of restrictive and detention-oriented procedures. Detention facilities for migrants must provide health protection and general assistance to the person. Considering the critical state of the centres reported by various sources, this study gives an overview of the conditions in Italian detention facilities for migrants from a public health perspective. A scoping search of the peer-reviewed and grey literature was performed to investigate the public health standards currently in force in Italian detention facilities for migrants and refugees (Hotspot and CPR-Pre-removal Detention Centres). Articles published from 2009 to 2021 in English and Italian were included and qualitatively described in five categories: provision of healthcare, living conditions, protection of vulnerable detainees, access to legal advice, and the Covid-19 pandemic. 11 peer-reviewed studies and 24 grey documents were included. Guidelines on screening procedures for infectious diseases or vaccines appeared to be hastily followed; chronic and mental diseases were not appropriately addressed. The facilities were described as run-down, with scarce and poor-quality meals, and lacking of educational activities. A lack of protection for vulnerable categories was reported, including unaccompanied minors. The Covid-19 pandemic further exacerbated pre-existing issues, highlighting systemic weaknesses in preparedness and response. Life conditions within the centres for migrants in Italy fall significantly short of acceptable standards. The main problems are the unavailability of cultural mediation services and the insufficient protection of mental health. The overall conditions appeared to be not dignifying and violations of the law are, if not frequent, present and well recognised. Urgent reforms are warranted to address these shortcomings and ensure the humane treatment and protection of migrants within these facilities.

Key messages
• Italy is responding to the recent inflow of migrants with policies oriented to detention and repatriation. To this, it established de-facto detention centres for migrants, namely Hotspot and CPRs.
• The public health standards of migrants’ repatriation centres are poorly followed and life inside the centres appears misereble.
The impact of healthcare worker migration in source countries: Colombia, Indonesia, and Jordan
Authors: Sax dos Santos Gomes L , Efendi F , Putri N K , Bolivar-Vargas M , Saadeh R , Villarreal P A , Aye T T , De Allegri M , Lohmann J 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
To address domestic shortages, high-income countries are increasingly recruiting healthcare workers from low- and middle-income countries. This practice is much debated, yet empirical evidence is rare. This study fills this knowledge gap by reporting high-level stakeholders’ perspectives on health system impacts of international migration and active recruitment of HCWs in Colombia, Indonesia, and Jordan.

Methods
We used a multiple case study methodology, based on qualitative methods integrated with information available in the published literature.

Results
All respondents decried a lack of robust and detailed data as a serious challenge in ascertaining their perspectives on impacts of healthcare workersmigration. Stakeholders described current emigration levels as not substantially aggravating existing healthcare workforce availability challenges. This is due to the fact that all three countries are faced with healthcare worker unemployment grounded in unwillingness to work in rural areas and/or overproduction of certain cadres. Respondents, however, pleaded against targeting very experienced and specialised individuals. While observing little harm of healthcare worker migration at present, stakeholders also noted few benefits such as brain gain, describing how various barriers to skill enhancement, return, and reintegration into the health system hamper in practice what may be possible in theory.

Conclusions
Improved availability of data on healthcare workers migration, including their potential return and reintegration into their country of origin’s health system, is urgently necessary to understand and monitor costs and benefits in dynamic national and international health labour markets. Our results imply that potential benefits of migration do not come into being automatically, but need in-country supportive policy, such as favourable reintegration policies or programs targeting engagement of the diaspora.
Mothers to Babies & Art of Creation: Canadian stakeholder engagement during intervention development
Authors: McKerracher L , Chin J , Sloboda D 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The 2021 British Medical Research Council framework, outline that effective development of interventions requires engagement of diverse stakeholders. In practice, however, engaging stakeholders in health intervention development often receives insufficient investment. The Mothers to Babies (M2B) Study and its linked Art of Creation (AoC) Intervention Project comprise a joint case study in prioritizing stakeholder engagement.

Methods
From 2016 to 2019, our M2B team dedicated its financial and personnel resources to assessing community health priorities for preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Hamilton, Canada. Motivated by a “first 1000 days” approach (i.e. health environments through pregnancy and infancy have outsized impacts on NCD risks across a child’s life), we worked with stakeholders to identify acceptable, feasible complex intervention strategies supportive of health behaviours among pregnant Hamiltonians. To this end, we surveyed 434 pregnant people of diverse backgrounds and ran focus groups, interviews, and meetings with 69 stakeholders with diverse orientations to pregnancy and family health provision.

Results
M2B’s work indicated two areas actionable through a complex, behavioural intervention: 1) lack of knowledge about the first 1000 days, and 2) need for platforms for peer support and empowerment. These themes were centred in the development and the stakeholder-engaged implementation/evaluation of the ongoing AoC intervention study. AoC uses outreach through local cultural institutions and arts-based workshops to facilitate understanding of the first 1000 days. AoC increases participants’ knowledge of the first 1000 days, supports social relationships among participants and is enjoyable and empowering.

Conclusions
Investing three years and dedicated personnel to stakeholder engagement by M2B yielded the development of AoC, a complex health promotion intervention that fits the diverse priorities of Hamilton communities.
A Process Evaluation in a Randomized Controlled Trial among Adults with Acetabular Dysplasia
Authors: Jacobsen J S , Evans R , Morgan K , Thorborg K , Oestergaard L G , Sørensen D 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Introduction
The 2021 framework from the UK’s Medical Research Council defines evaluation as a theory-driven approach to examine how well an intervention works. However, the application of these guidelines can be challenging. Therefore, using a process evaluation case study on an exercise and patient education intervention for adults with acetabular dysplasia, we reflect on which specific aspects were relevant for the evaluation of the intervention and why. We focus on detailing methods to assess implementation (process, dose, reach), acceptability, mechanisms of change, and the impact of contextual factors.

Methods
Two hundred trial participants aged 18-50 years will be recruited from a University Hospital in Denmark and randomised to intervention and control groups. The process evaluation adopts a concurrent mixed-methods design involving self-report questionnaires at baseline and 6-month follow-up, training records and semi-structured focus groups with intervention providers (n = 10) and healthcare managers (n = 4-6). The mechanisms of change will be explored through semi-structured one-to-one interviews (at baseline and 6-month follow-up) with 15-20 purposefully sampled trial participants, and additionally, through exploratory examinations of associations between dose and change in health outcomes at 6-month follow-up), via simple linear regression models. The acceptability and contextual factors will be explored through one-to-one participant interviews, plus focus groups with 4-6 healthcare managers. Thematic analyses of the interviews will focus on expectations, experiences, events, personal understandings and interpersonal and organisational interactions.

Conclusions
The presentation will explore how the operational aspects of the intervention can be assessed through a process evaluation and how these findings may improve and expand any future implementation efforts.
5.F. Scientific session: Staying cool: innovative solutions for an ageing population in a warming Europe
Authors:   Organised by: DG SANTE European Commission
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The EU is facing the dual challenge of climate change and rapid population ageing: temperatures in Europe are warming more rapidly than in the rest of the world and at the same time the number of those aged 85 years or more in the EU is projected to more than double by 2050. The increase of morbidity and mortality due to extreme heat is higher in older adults compared to the other age groups. During the workshop, we will first address the effect of heat waves and raising temperatures on older adults’ health and then present and discuss possible innovative tools and actions to minimise their impact on the EU ageing population.

Objectives
Emphasise the importance of addressing heat waves and raising temperatures including their impact on NCDs, with a focus on the implications for the ageing population; Present the reinforced activities of the Climate and Health Observatory, focusing on raising temperatures and heat waves; Discuss possible measures at EU level, multisectoral collaboration, the synergies and possible trade-offs between adaptation and mitigation measures; Discuss innovative solutions to minimise the impact of raising temperatures and heat waves on older adults.

Speakers/Panelists
• Projections of heat exposure of older adults and the consequences.
• The European Climate & Health Observatory – presentation of reinforced & broadened activities.
• Measures for adapting to and protecting against the effects of heat waves and warming.
• Tackling the problem at the source: mitigating the contribution of the healthcare sector to GHG emissions/climate change.
Emergency preparedness in healthcare systems: the “policy-effect” of COVID-19
Authors: Beccia F , Cacciuttolo M G , Farina S , Specchia M L , Damiani G 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted that health services preparedness is crucial. Indeed, effective planning enables streamline operations, optimized resource allocation, and transparent communication during crises. Within this context, our analysis aims to assess EU countries’ healthcare systems preparedness, by policies analysis and capacity factor analysis, and relationship with COVID-19. We reviewed policies regarding influenza, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and climate change in EU countries, using a web-screening of national and international authorities and institutions. Furthermore, we performed a factor analysis on WHO’s States Party Self-Assessment Reporting (SPAR) and evaluated the results using an iterated principal factor analysis with promax rotation. Few countries updated their policies after the pandemic, particularly regarding influenza plans. Italy stands out as an exception, having updated its national plan in 2021, while other countries maintain pre-COVID plans. Regarding AMR, only few countries, including Sweden, Netherlands, Malta, Germany, Spain, Belgium, and France, updated their plans post-pandemic, while Estonia and Romania lack plans entirely. Addressing the climate crisis and its impacts on health and healthcare resilience, all EU countries aligned with the EC regulation on climate action through National Energy and Climate Plans in 2023. Moreover, EU countries had average preparedness level of 75.77 (SD: 8.23), calculated on SPAR 2022, with significant disparities. Three major factors contribute to preparedness levels: planning, service delivery, and specific subtopics (e.g. food safety, radiation, infectious diseases). Our findings reveal the complexity of preparedness, showing diverse approaches across countries, despite EU regulations and WHO guidelines. International collaboration is crucial to standardize policies and enable countries to leverage successful examples, improving public health outcomes.

Key messages
• Health services preparedness, underscored by the COVID-19 pandemic, is crucial for effective planning and crisis management.
• The analysis demonstrates varying levels of preparedness across EU countries, with differences in policy updates and adherence to international guidelines.
Slaintécare Healthy Communities: Engaging with evidenced based best practice to promote health literacy in Ireland
Authors: Carney M , Nyamakope T 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
This workshop will include a blend of presenters from both practice and research, with tangible examples of how the needs analysis was conducted, how meaningful partnerships were developed, and how we suggest these suggestions can be brought to life. This opening presentation will set the scene, detailing the role of Sláintecare Healthy Communities, the rationale for a focus on health literacy, the incredible value of adopting a meaningful participatory approach, and learnings from collaborating with a research team/project.
Capturing the health and well-being impact of climate change: a health impact assessment in Wales
Authors: Green L , Edmonds N 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Climate change is one of the biggest threats to global health in the 21st century and is likely to impact on health through a range of factors (societal, economic or environmental). The need to take action on climate and nature emergencies in order to protect population health and well-being and prevent negative impacts are becoming more urgent. Public Health Wales carried out a comprehensive mixed-method Health Impact Assessment (HIA) of climate change in Wales. HIA is a systematic process which considers the impact of a policy on the health and well-being of a population. It appraised the potential impacts of climate change on health and inequalities in Wales. This involved participatory workshops, engagement with stakeholders, statistical data, systematic literature reviews and case studies. The HIA findings indicate significant potential impacts across the determinants of health and mental well-being. For example, air quality, flooding, economic productivity, working conditions, access to services and community resilience. Impacts were identified across population groups, settings, and areas including urban and rural contexts, outdoor workers, children and young people, older people, schools, hospitals and workplaces. These findings have been beneficial to inform decision-makers to prepare for climate change plans and policies using a preventative evidence-informed approach. The work has demonstrated the value of HIA for significant, complex policies by mobilising a range of evidence through a transparent process, resulting in government and organizational action and transferrable learning for others.

Key messages
• HIA is a beneficial tool to identify at a granular level the health impacts of climate change.
• The HIA has been used by the government of Wales and organisations to respond to and plan for climate change.