bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Collaboration between general practice and sickness benefits office - A Scoping Review
Authors: Poulsen A G , van Meerkerk I , Nielsen C P , Rolving N , Jensen L G 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Effective collaboration among stakeholders is essential in supporting return to work (RTW) processes for individuals on sick leave. Yet sickness benefits office and general practice experience a lack of collaboration. This is echoed by individuals on sick leave. This scoping review aim to map existing literature on collaboration between sickness benefits office and general practice in RTW processes to identify both collaboration activities and underlying conditions influencing the collaboration.

Methods
A systematic search of peer reviewed literature was conducted across five databases in March 2023. Screening and data extraction were conducted by two independent researchers.
Extracted data was mapped and activities and underlying conditions were analyzed following descriptive thematic analysis. Tentative results were discussed with a reference group.

Results
Among the 7471 papers screened, 21 met the inclusion criteria. Certificates was the most common collaboration activity. Of underlying conditions far more barriers compared to facilitators were identified. Barriers encompassed conflicting opinions, opposing roles, communicating via certificates, and time. Facilitators included personal communication and knowledge.

Conclusions
The number of included papers reflects a limited emphasis on this domain within research endeavors. The prevalence of barriers outweighing facilitators underscores the challenges inherent in this collaboration. General practice is depicted as advocating for their patients while the sickness benefits office pushes for return to work. Scarcity of time induces several challenges, impacting e.g., availability for personal communication and delays.

Key messages
• Stereotyping and opposing roles, poor communication and time constraints are major barriers that need to be addressed to enhance future collaboration.
• Meetings and mutual knowledge about working conditions including legislations and procedures benefit the collaboration.
Assessing the return-to-work mode of Dutch precarious workers with mental health issues
Authors: Suijkerbuijk Y , Nieuwenhuijsen K , Jansen L P , Schaafsma F G 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Mental health issues are highly prevalent among precarious workers, often leading to sickness absence, work disability, and job loss. Return to work (RTW) is more challenging for these workers, as they often lack a job to return to and have limited access to occupational health care. Perceptions and attitudes about RTW are important determinants and can be categorized into three modes within the RTW process: a passive, an ambivalent and an active RTW-mode. To identify the RTW mode, we developed the RE-MODE tool. This study aimed to assess occupational health professionals’ agreement on the RTW-mode of sick-listed precarious workers with mental health issues using RE-MODE.

Methods
In a vignette study, 71 occupational health professionals from a Dutch social security institute viewed six videos of consultations between insurance physicians and precarious workers. They then used RE-MODE to assess the RTW mode and need for RTW-support. They also provided feedback on the tool’s validity and usability. We used a generalized linear mixed model to analyze inter-rater agreement, inter-item consistency, and the contribution level of each item. Additionally, we calculated the content validity index and the system usability scale.

Results
The agreement on the RTW mode with RE-MODE is high (ICC 0.86, 95% CI 0.64-0.95) and on the workers’ need for RTW-support moderate (0.61, 95% CI 0.31-0.84). Furthermore, the content-validity (Scale-CVI 0.83), usability (SUS 0.75), and inter-item consistency (Cronbach’s Alpha 0.70) show favorable results. We are currently analyzing the contribution of each item to the total score. The items with the best overall performance will be included in RE-MODE 2.0.

Conclusions
REMODE is a valuable tool for occupational health professionals to identify precarious workers with mental health issues at risk of long-term disability. Then they can arrange targeted RTW-support. Based on the study results, RE-MODE 2.0 is in development.

Key messages
• RE-MODE is a valuable tool for the assessment of the RTW-mode of precarious workers with mental health issues.
• RE-MODE’s reliability, content-validity and usability is satisfactory.
Impact of motherhood and social support on the wellbeing of UK female police officers and staff
Authors: Illias M , Demou E , Riach K 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Female officers and staff face gender-specific challenges, particularly, during pregnancy and motherhood. Our study explores whether and how motherhood affects mental health outcomes (e.g., probable depression and anxiety) and return to work following sickness absence (SA), considering mediating role of workplace social support.

Methods
Logistic regression analysed probable depression and anxiety using Airwave Health Monitoring Study (AHMS) data. Cox proportional hazards models assessed return to work after sickness absence, linking AHMS with sickness absence data from 26 police forces. Exposure variables were created by the interaction of motherhood status and social support, while covariates included sociodemographic, lifestyle, and work-related factors.

Results
Mothers with low social support from superiors had higher odds of probable depression (OR = 2.14, 95% CI = 1.81-2.54) and anxiety (OR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.62-2.14) compared to non-mothers. Moderate and high social support reduced odds of depression (Moderate: OR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.85-1.11; High: OR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.57-0.73) and anxiety (Moderate: OR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.12-1.36; High: OR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.75-0.9) for mothers, but the impact varied when adjusted for covariates. Mothers with lower levels of social support were less likely to return to work after SA compared to non-mothers, as indicated by the survival analysis (Low social support: HR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.95-1.13; High social support: HR = 1, 95% CI = 0.96-1.04). These trends persisted across social support sources-colleagues and combined support-emphasising the complex interplay between workplace social support, motherhood, mental health, and sickness absence in policing.

Conclusions
Our study emphasises boosting workplace social support for female police officers and staff, to aid them in navigating motherhood demands. This improvement can lead to better mental health, retention, job satisfaction, and organisational effectiveness, ultimately promoting community safety.

Key messages
• Highlighting the importance of workplace social support for female police officers and staff, informs policy makers and practitioners to prioritize social support initiatives within policing.
• Lower social support was associated with a reduced likelihood of returning to work after sickness absence, particularly among mothers compared to non-mothers.
Sickness absence duration of stress complaints, adaptation disorder or burnout in the Netherlands
Authors: De Rijk A , Van Iperen L , De Witte H , Kok R , Schaufeli W 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

In the Netherlands, occupational physicians can diagnose burnout when employees report sick. Their guideline distinguishes between stress complaints lasting &lt; 3 months, adaptation disorder with complaints lasting 3-6 months and burnout with complaints lasting &gt; 6 months at moment of diagnosis. The Four-Dimensional Symptom Questionnaire (4DSQ) is recommended to assess and monitor. The new Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT) might be an alternative. Research questions were: 1) What are the sickness absence duration, 4DSQ and BAT-scores of absentees diagnosed with stress complaints, adaptation disorder and burnout?; 2) Is the BAT a better predictor of sickness absence duration than the 4DSQ? From 2020-2023, data was collected among all 3,462 employees who were absent due to stress complaints, adaptation disorder or burnout at one large occupational health and safety service via registry data and an employee questionnaire. Results show that two-thirds of those with stress complaints, half of them with adaptation disorder and one third with burnout were absent for less than half a year. 4DSQ and BAT scores differed significantly between the three groups (p&lt;.05). The BAT explained 0.8% of variance in absence duration (p&lt; .001) when controlled for covariates, which explained 1.6% of variance (p&lt; .001). The explanation by BAT was 1.9% within the group with stress complaints (p = 0.002), .4% within the group with adaptation disorder (p=.022) and absent within the group with burnout. Comparable results were found for the 4DSQ. The differences in absence duration between the three groups aligned with the Dutch guidelines. The BAT nor the 4DSQ were clinically relevant predictors of duration of absence for stress-related diagnoses among absentees in the Netherlands. To reduce productivity loss, it seems better to report sick when still in the stage of stress complaints than to wait until a full burnout has developed. The BAT and 4DSQ might help risk assessment in the working population.

Key messages
• The sickness absence duration of Dutch employees diagnosed with burnout is much longer than that of those with adaptation disorder or stress complaints.
• Both the instrument recommended in the guideline and the new instrument have no clinical relevance in predicting sickness absence duration of stress-related diagnoses.
Facilitating subgroup identification: the use of decision trees in breast cancer screening uptake
Authors: Pedrós Barnils N , Schüz B 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Organized breast cancer screening (BCS) programs are effective prevention measures for women aged 50-69 to prevent the sixth cause of death in Germany. It is unclear which sociodemographic factors and potential interactions are associated with never-attendance. Explorative approaches such as decision trees offer an inductive approach to intersectional subgroup identification based on different computational decisions. This study discusses two approaches for estimating the likelihood of not attending BCS in Germany.

Methods
Women aged 50-69 (N = 3,644) were selected from the German 2020 European Health Interview Survey. We estimate the risk of not attending BCS first by employing cross-classification regression analysis utilising known social dimensions and second by leveraging the nodes of the best-performing decision tree as exposure variables.

Results
The first approach, adjusting for age, found that women born in Germany had 1.97 higher odds (p = 0.015) of never attending BCS than high-income women not born in Germany. Conditional Inference Tree (mincriterion= 0.6040046, maxdepth=3) adjusted to optimise sensitivity and the Area Under the Curve (71.43% sensitivity, 63.21% AUC), identified 8 relevant intersectional groups characterised by unique combinations of family status, perceived social support, working situation, experienced physical limitation, and region, with the highest odds of 4.85 (p &lt; 0.001) of not attending BCS for women living with their couple and children or non-conventional household constellations who perceived little, uncertain or a lot of social support.

Conclusions
Using explorative decision trees for subgroup identification, the study provides more detailed insights into women at higher risk of not attending BCS in Germany, aiding, on the one hand, more precise health reporting data and, on the other hand, enhanced preventive public health interventions.

Key messages
• Explorative decision trees for subgroup identification allow for more detailed insights into women at higher risk of not attending BCS in Germany for enhanced preventive public health interventions.
• Women living with their couple and children or non-conventional constellations who perceived little, uncertain or a lot of social support are at the highest odds of never attending BCS in Germany.
COVID-19 impact on childhood vaccination attitudes in pregnant antenatal class attendants in Rome
Authors: Bruno S , Nachira L , Arcaro P , Campo E , Pattavina F , Pascucci D , Damiani G , Carducci B , Lanzone A , Laurenti P 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a decrease in vaccination rates, impacting vulnerable populations such as pregnant women (PW), who concern about future children’s immunisations. The aim of this study was to assess whether the pandemic led to changes in childhood vaccination attitudes among PW attending antenatal classes at the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli in Rome. Specifically, it assessed the impact of the pandemic on the perceived usefulness of information sources, their trust in healthcare workers (HCWs) and the National Health Service (NHS), their perception of the risk of infection and severity of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), and their vaccination intentions.

Methods
A repeated cross-sectional study was conducted across three flu seasons by administering an anonymous questionnaire: one before and two during the pandemic. Intention to vaccinate children was expressed as the percentage of PW who selected each vaccination from the questionnaire. Trust in HCWs and the NHS, and perception of the risk of infection and severity of VPDs were expressed as the percentage of PW who answered “quite” or “very”. For the usefulness of information sources, mean scores were calculated. To assess differences of the three periods a chi-square test was performed (p = 0.05).

Results
Course attendance surged from 105 to 340. Significant shifts in vaccination intentions were noted: 7.5% and 10% decreases for measles (p = 0.02) and pertussis (p = 0.004), respectively, from 2019-20 to 2020-21. Perceived contagion risk decreased, but perceived disease severity increased. A significant reduction in the proportion of PW suspecting economic interest behind NHS workers promoting vaccination, and an increase in the perceived usefulness of non-institutional websites and of the advice from non-NHS physicians were noted.

Conclusions
PW’s attitudes towards vaccinations might have been modified by COVID-19 pandemic, regarding risk perception and trust in NHS HCWs.

Key messages
• Our findings suggests that PW’s attitudes towards childhood vaccinations might be modified by the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular risk perception and trust in NHS healthcare workers.
• These findings could help Public Health to develop evidence-based interventions and communication strategies, to maintain vaccine confidence and mitigate potential adverse effects.
Fighting HAIs by monitoring hand hygiene compliance in the Umberto I teaching Hospital in Rome
Authors: Ceparano M , Covelli A , Baccolini V , Migliara G , Carluccio G , Mattera D , De Vito C , De Giusti M , Marzuillo C , Villari P 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are one of the most common preventable complications in hospitalised patients related to increased morbidity and mortality for patients. Proper hand hygiene (HH) can decrease the prevalence of HAIs within care settings. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of a monitoring and feedback system on HH compliance (HHC).

Methods
Three monitoring and feedback studies have been carried out in Umberto I teaching hospital of Rome since 2021. Healthcare workers (HCWs), were trained on how to carry out the direct observation on the 5 WHO moments on HH. The data collection lasted two weeks each year. Following data collection, they were analysed and discussed annually with HCWs. A multivariable logistic regression model was constructed to identify predictors of HH compliance.

Results
A total of 15874 HH were observed, of which 40.1% in 2023. The recorded HHC was 71.0% in 2021, 75.4% in 2022 and 71.6% in 2023. Multivariable analyses showed that HHC was positively associated with female sex of observed (aOR:1.3, 95% CI:1.1-1.4), during weekend days or holidays (aOR:1.3 95% CI:1.1-1.4) and all indications with respect to ‘before touching a patient’. Regarding the professional category of the observer, compared to physicians, midwives were more likely to report compliant observations (aOR=2.4, 95% CI: 1.4-4.1). On the other hand, a negative association was found with external ward staff and other HCWs and no-HCWs compared to physicians. Ward area and year of observation did not influence the probability of the outcome.

Conclusions
The results of this study revealed sub-optimal adherence to HH, with the lowest rates observed prior to patient interaction. That, coupled with the variability seen among HCWs, underlines the difficulties in achieving a uniform level of compliance. Therefore, ongoing training to raise awareness among HCWs and to repeat the survey over time identifying any major problems is essential.

Key messages
• Monitoring the reasons for non-adherence to hand hygiene in healthcare institutions in order to formulate strategies to improve HH adherence among hospital staff is essential.
• Hand hygiene (HH) monitoring systems can produce measurable improvements in HH adherence by healthcare personnel, resulting in a reduction in the incidence of healthcare-associated infections.
Forecasting cognitive functioning: an artificial intelligence approach with Dynamic Bayesian Networks
Authors: Etholén A , Roos T , Hänninen M , Bouri I , Kulmala J , Rahkonen O , Kouvonen A , Lallukka T 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Several potentially modifiable risk factors are associated with subjective cognitive decline (SCD). However, developmental patterns of these risk factors have not been used before to forecast later SCD. Practical tools for the prevention of cognitive decline are needed. We examined multifactorial trajectories of risk factors, and their associations with SCD using an artificial intelligence approach to build a score that forecasts later SCD.

Methods
Five repeated surveys (2000-2022) of the Helsinki Health Study (n = 8960, 79% women, aged 40-60 at Phase 1) were used to build dynamic Bayesian networks (DBN) for estimating the odds of SCD. A score-based approach was implemented for learning DBN using the quotient normalized maximum likelihood criterion. The model was used to predict SCD based on the history of consumption of fruit and vegetables, smoking, alcohol consumption, leisure-time physical activity, body mass index, and insomnia symptoms, adjusting for sociodemographic covariates.

Results
Of the participants, 31-48% reported decline in memory, learning, and concentration in 2022. Physical activity was the strongest predictor of SCD in a 5-year interval, with an odds ratio of 0.76 (95% Bayesian credible interval 0.59-0.99) for physically active compared to inactive participants. Alcohol consumption showed a U-shaped relationship with SCD. Other risk factors had minor effects.

Conclusions
A new online risk score tool was developed that enables individuals to inspect their own risk profiles, as well as explore potential targets for interventions and their estimated contributions to later SCD. Dynamic decision heatmap was presented as a communication tool to be used at healthcare consultations.

Key messages
• Potentially modifiable health-related behaviours such as physical activity can contribute to subjective cognitive decline.
• Artificial intelligence can be applied to discover the complex interactions between risk factors and subjective cognitive decline, to support preventive healthcare at individual and population levels.
Predictors and outcomes of adolescent alcohol and drug use: a scoping review
Authors: Brennan M M , Corrigan C , Mongan D , Doyle A , Galvin B , Nixon E , Zgaga L , Smyth B , Ivers J H , McCarthy N 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Adolescence is a pivotal life stage marked by educational advancement, entry into the workforce and formation of lasting relationships. Globally, adolescence is also the peak period during which individuals first engage in alcohol and/or drug consumption. This scoping review aimed to summarize existing longitudinal research on factors and outcomes related to adolescent substance use to identify gaps in existing evidence.

Methods
A scoping review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews. A systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed. Additional studies were identified through hand-searching key reference lists and Google Scholar searches. A narrative synthesis was completed.

Results
123 studies were included; 12 reviews and 111 cohort studies. 60% of cohort studies originated from North America, 29% Europe, 7% Australia/New Zealand, 2% South America and 2% Asia. Factors consistently associated with increased risk of ASU include male sex, increasing age, externalizing disorders, adverse childhood experiences and peer or parental substance use. Few studies considered wider community or neighbourhood factors. Early initiation and higher frequency of adolescent drug use were predictive of later-life substance use patterns, education derailment, contact with the justice system and mental health disorders.

Conclusions
The body of longitudinal evidence on adolescent substance use is rapidly expanding yet significant research gaps exist. Rising levels of cocaine use and its substantial health impacts motivate further research on all potentially important factors associated with cocaine use to guide interventions for prevention and treatment.

Key messages
• There are important gaps in existing research on adolescent substance use.
• These include neighbourhood influences and factors associated with initiation of illicit drugs other than cannabis.
Exploring the state-of-the-art on competencies for policymaking in public health
Authors: Frisina L , Aragón de León E 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Against the complex backdrop characterizing both the nature of public health challenges and the corresponding skills required to face them, this presentation will introduce the state-of-the-art on scholarship concerned with the definition and/or development of competencies for effective policy making in public health. The presentation will focus especially on presenting findings of a scoping review of the state-of the-art involving: 1) research that develops competency frameworks explicitly designed for policymakers operating in public health; and 2) case studies that explore the application of specific competencies (whether explicitly or implicitly) in different public health contexts. By exploring both bodies of literature, the scoping review will take stock of how each study defines the concept of competencies, enumerates areas of knowledge and demonstrable skills pertaining thereto, and uses evidence to establish their significance in the field of public health leadership. The findings of the scoping review will also be brought into comparative perspective, examining whether and how the categories of existing competency frameworks correspond with one another, as well as reflect the insights of single case studies. The proposed presentation will conclude with an overview of findings of a mapping exercise including all competencies identified in the literature, which can serve the workshop audience as both a synthesis and holistic refinement on the state-of-the-art going forward. The proposed presentation will conclude with an overview of findings of a mapping exercise including all competencies identified in the literature, which can serve the workshop audience as both a synthesis and holistic refinement on the state-of-the-art going forward.

Speakers/Panelists
Anne-Catherine Viso
Santé publique France, Saint Maurice, France
Charlotte Marchandise
EUPHA
Kasia Czabanowska
Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands