bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Communication of EU agricultural antibiotic use policies to farmers & implications for public health
Authors: Luke-Currier A , Moriarty E , Hodkinson T 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
It is estimated that by 2050, ten million people will die each year from antimicrobial resistant infections. AMR is driven by the improper use of antimicrobials, particularly in agriculture. 73% of the antimicrobials sold globally are used in food-producing animals.

Problem
EU regulations 2019/6 and 2019/4 on veterinary medications and medicated feed require behavior change by farmers to reduce their antimicrobial use. While this is welcomed by public health professionals, the response of the farming community is more complicated, as these regulations exist within the complex context of the global food system and current political unrest between farmers and the EU. Given the influential role of agricultural media for farmers’ decision making, it is critical to understand how AMR and associated public health and EU policies are being communicated to farmers and how the views of specific stakeholders including farmer representative organizations, veterinary bodies and government regulators are being represented. To examine this problem, a case study content analysis of three major agricultural newspapers in Ireland is undertaken.

Results
Preliminary results suggest that AMR and AMU have been covered in the agricultural media with specific coverage on these EU policies. This includes negative coverage, with key terms such as “threatens”, “risk”, or “warns”, as well as potentially positive views (e.g. “hope”). Preliminary results also suggest that the agricultural media might be a useful source to identify the farming community’s concerns and reactions to EU policy, for example calls by farmer representative bodies for the national government to intervene.

Lessons
Public health professionals must recognize the important role of farmers in addressing AMR. Evaluating how EU policies on AMR are represented in the agricultural media can help to better understand how this public health issue and its solutions are being communicated to these important stakeholders.

Key messages
• Public health professionals must recognize the importance of animal health and the role of farmers in addressing the AMR problem.
• It is critical to evaluate how EU policies on AMR and associated One Health issues are communicated to non-public health professionals.
Global malaria vaccine research and community perception in Africa: a systematic review
Authors: Chutiyami M , Bello U M , Salihu D 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Malaria vaccine is one of the critical areas in tropical health research, considering the success recorded in other vaccine-preventable diseases. This review provides an overview of global malaria vaccine research and systematically reviews community perception of the vaccine in Africa.

Methods
A validated search was conducted to identify scientific literature on malaria vaccines in the Scopus database from 2005. Bibliometric indicators explored include publication/citation indices over time and the overall research themes using VOSviewer. A further in-depth search was undertaken in five databases to identify studies on community perception of malaria vaccine in Africa. Studies were screened, quality appraised, and narratively synthesized.

Results
6457 malaria-vaccine-related documents were found in 160 journals/sources from 189 countries/territories. There were 214,323 total citations, with 33.2 average citations per document and 167 documents’ h-index. The United States, United Kingdom and Australia combined produced more than 60% of the publication output. Six themes emerged from the global malaria vaccine research: Merozoite surface protein, characterization, trials, infant/children, traveler, and research/review. Twenty studies (n = 20) met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review. Overall perceptions of malaria vaccines varied in African communities (26.2-88.2%), in addition to higher willingness to accept the vaccines (32.3%-96.0%), poor knowledge/awareness (11%-60%) and misconceptions (19.2%-20.9%). Other issues identified include vaccine availability and logistics.

Conclusions
Malaria vaccine research and citations have increased considerably, mainly targeting vaccine development and safety/efficacy in Africa. African communities’ perceptions of the vaccine varied, with most of the population willing to accept the vaccine.

Key messages
• An increase in number of malaria vaccine research targeting vaccine development, and safety and efficacy in Africa.
• Varried malaria vaccine perception in Africa, including willingness to accept the vaccine, awareness, misconceptions, availability and logistics.
Health as predictor of unemployment. A population based study in Belgium
Authors: Van der Heyden J , Bruggeman H , Smith P 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Health and employment are interrelated, but this can be both the result of social causation and health selection. Insights in the association between health and employment should be explored in different settings and countries because contextual factors may differ. In this study we investigate if at the Belgian population level, ill health leads to a higher risk of unemployment.

Methods
We used data from the Belgian health interview survey 2018 linked with administrative data from the compulsory health insurance including information on employment status in 2018 and 2019. The sample for this study consisted of people with a paid job, aged 18-64 year, with no record of having being unemployed in 2018 (n = 3769). Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess if the risk of becoming unemployed in 2019 varied in function of the health status assessed in the 2018 survey.

Results
After adjustment for age, sex, education and social support, the risk of becoming unemployed was significantly higher for people with moderate to very bad self-rated health compared to those in good health (OR 2.76; 95% CI 1.34-5.67). Similarly, unemployment in the year following participation in the survey was significantly higher among people with activity limitations because of health problems (OR 2.32; 95% CI 1.14-4.72). The higher the number of chronic diseases and conditions, the higher the risk of unemployment (OR 1.37; 95% CI 1.13-1.53). Specific predictors of unemployment were a history of serious depression in the past 12 months (OR 4.47; 95% CI 1.85-10.80) and hypertension (OR 2.54; 95% CI 1.08-6.00).

Conclusions
In Belgium, health problems are a risk factor of getting unemployed. Especially people with a history of serious depression in the past year have a higher risk to lose their job. The findings confirm the health selection of unemployment and the need for the labour market to invest in interventions to support people with health problems to keep or find a job.

Key messages
• As employment is a fundamental right, also for people with health problems, further efforts are needed to create an inclusive labour market, with also job opportunities for more vulnerable people.
• To be able to understand better the link between health and unemployment at population level, longitudinal population data are needed including both dimensions.
Exploring Electronic Personal Health Record usage in Northern Italy: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Cataldo A , Scaioli G , Lo Moro G , Martella M , Scacchi A , Butnaru A M , Lodin M , Toffanin C , Bert F , Siliquini R 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The Electronic Personal Health Record (EPHR) is a patient-centered tool that enables citizens to manage their health information. The EPHR has been implemented worldwide, including in Italy, and holds immense potential, but it has shown a generalized underutilisation. Therefore, this paper aims to identify its fulfillment and the reasons behind its poor use, potentially uncovering the key to unlocking its benefits.

Methods
A survey was distributed on social media and in the waiting rooms of vaccination facilities in a Region of Italy. Multivariable regression models were conducted to detect a connection between the general population’s usage of the EPHR and specific independent variables.

Results
Of the 1634 respondents, 710 activated the EPHR, especially women, Italians, highly educated, unemployed, with good health but affected with chronic diseases. Amongst those who activated the EPHR, the multivariate analysis showed that the number of accesses to the platform was significantly associated with lower age (adjusted Odds Ratio (adjOR) 0.96 p = 0.015), higher level of education (adjOR 2.17 p = 0.029), unemployment (adjOR 5.61 p = 0.008) and considering the information on the EPHR complete (adjOR 3.83 p = 0.001). As age increases, the perceived ease of access to the EPHR decreases (adjOR=0.98 p = 0.049). Having a higher level of education (adjOR=0.41 p = 0.042), autonomy in reading health materials (adjOR=0.32 p = 0.043), and less self-confidence in filling out medical forms (adjOR=0.61 p = 0.033) were linked to a decrease in perceived ease of access.

Conclusions
The study showed that the EPHR is more utilised by specific categories of citizens, especially the young and those with higher education. More efforts should be made to increase access to the EPHR for the whole community by making it more intuitive and user-friendly. The present study provides valuable foundations to foster the implementation of a platform for sharing health data at a European level.

Key messages
• The Electronic Personal Health Record (EPHR) is underutilised despite its potential; it’s mainly accessed by young and highly educated individuals.
• Efforts to increase EPHR usage must focus on improving accessibility and ease of access, as well as enhancing user confidence and autonomy in managing health information.
Tracing applications for the control of virus dispersal - COVID-19 experience
Authors: Kalinowska-Beszczynska O , Wojtecka A , Tymosiewicz P 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Tracing apps have been promoted as an effective tool for the monitoring and control of the spread of COVID-19. Although the correlation between the use of mobile tracking apps and reducing the spread of the virus has been demonstrated, the success of these apps depends on a number of factors, such as the number of app users, the rate at which new systems get adopted, as well as concerns related to anonymity and privacy. The aim of the research was to analyse the pattern of adaptation and use of a COVID-19 tracing app in the context of Polish society. The research used a qualitative approach, data were collected through focus group and individual interviews. The sample consisted of 34 respondents, aged 23-61, with different educational levels and backgrounds. The study followed two phases. First, a model with a set of questions was proposed on the basis of the unified theory of technology acceptance and use. Secondly, using the set of questions, interviews were conducted. In order to examine the data, thematic analysis was applied. To summarise the results of the survey, the respondents have clear expectations towards the app, which are not fulfilled. They are afraid of new technologies. However, they use them frequently and willingly without thinking about the security of their personal data. They expect applications to provide reliable information, but at the same time do not want to enter necessary data that they consider sensitive. They are negative about government actions without losing trust in government applications. It can also be speculated that a lack of information and understanding of the app may have contributed to some of the objections. In conclusion, we need to better understand users and be able to accommodate often conflicting characteristics in order to design more effective tracking applications in the future.

Key messages
• Technology offers ways to successfully prevent viruses from spreading.
• Getting the technology right, based on customer behaviour, is key to the effectiveness of tracking applications.
Physical activity and sedentarism among university students: an approach using a real-life survey
Authors: García-Lorenzo E , Visos-Varela I , Pintos-Rodríguez S , Salgado-Barreira A , Corral-Varela M , Figueiras-Guzmán A , Caamaño-Isorna F , Rico-Díaz J 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Evidence shows physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) impact health-related outcomes. World Health Organization (WHO) provides PA guidelines for different life stages. A recent study revealed that engaging in SB &gt; 6 hours/day increases all-cause mortality risk. Nevertheless many students spend a significant portion of their daily time on SB and PA levels are insufficient.

Methods
Students were selected by convenience sampling to complete a survey between October-November 2023. A validated PA questionnaire was included including PA Motivations and barriers. PA and SB were classified into 4 levels: Active but sedentary, extremely sedentary, physically active and discreetly active. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).

Results
Out of 2,216 surveys 1,648 were women, 568 men and 59.7% were in first university years. In our sample, 12.9% don’t do PA. Of those doing PA, 47.1% (n = 1043) don’t meet PA recommendations. Regarding SB, 84.7% spend &gt;6 hours/day in SB. When grouped into PA/SB categories 40.5% were extremely sedentary in contrast to 8.8% physically active. Non-university facilities (41.1%) were preferred over university facilities (11.1%). Use of non-university and university facilities correlated with WHO compliance. Main barriers among inactive students were lack of time (48%) and lack of a workout partner (18.6%).

Conclusions
Most students don’t meet WHO guidelines. Less than 10% are considered active, while 40.5% are extremely sedentary. University sports facilities are underused even if linked to better compliance. To promote facilities as health-promoting spaces and investigate reasons for their underuse is necessary. Lack of company as a reason for not engaging in PA points out the need to strength university sports communities.

Key messages
• Although many students exercise, the majority do no meet World Health Organization recommendations.
• We must intensify university programs to promote physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior.
Traditional medicine use to manage hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycaemia and hypertension in Ecuador
Authors: Puig-García M , López-Herraiz C , Caicedo-Montaño C , Rivadeneira M F , Vásconez-Donoso J , Montalvo-Villacis G , Benazizi-Dahbi I , Parker L A 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Although the use of traditional medicine (TM) to manage health issues is frequently reported, clinical guidelines often overlook this practice. This study aimed to describe the frequency of TM use to control 3 cardiometabolic risk factors for non-communicable diseases (arterial hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and hyperglycaemia, collectively referred to as CMRF here); and associated sociodemographic, economic, and clinical characteristics.

Methods
Descriptive cross-sectional study with a representative population of two health districts in Ecuador, one urban in southern Quito and one in a forested rural area with diverse ethnic groups in Esmeraldas. We included 602 individuals with at least one CMRF and calculated the proportion of those who reported regular use of TM (herbal or traditional remedies) to control their CMRF. We used a multivariable logistic regression model to calculate Odds Ratios for TM use according to sociodemographic, economic, and clinical characteristics.

Results
TM was commonly used to control CMRF in both sociocultural contexts (39.4% Esmeraldas, 31.1% Quito), often in combination with conventional medicine (CM). A notable percentage of people (33.9% Esmeraldas, 39.0% Quito) did not take any treatment for their CMRF, and the rest used CM alone. In both settings, education was significantly associated with TM use. While in Quito people with higher education were more likely to use TM (aOR 2.04, 95%CI 1.03-3.90), in Esmeraldas, it was more common among people without formal schooling (aOR 3.76; 95%CI 1.59-8.88) as well as those of younger age (aOR per year 0.97; 95%CI 0.95-0.99) and from Afro-Ecudorian ethnicity (aOR 2.13; 95%CI 1.02-4.45).

Conclusions
Traditional medicine is used by a significant portion of Ecuador’s population, highlighting the need for a more accessible and intercultural approach to healthcare.

Key messages
• The use of traditional medicine to address hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and hyperglycaemia appears to be widespread in different sociocultural and economic contexts of Ecuador.
• To promote intercultural health, understanding the diverse sociocultural patterns associated with the use of traditional medicine, often combined with conventional medicine, is crucial.
Gut Microbiota and Parkinson’s disease - a prospective analysis of the FINRISK 2002 Study
Authors: Sääksjärvi K , Tynkkynen J , Salomaa V , Havulinna A , Jousilahti P , Kauko A , Palmu J , Niiranen T 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative movement disorder with mainly unknown etiology. Constipation is a common symptom, and changes in gut microbiota may play role in PD pathogenesis. Previous studies exploring microbial associations to PD have been mostly cross-sectional, and the role of microorganisms in PD etiology remains unclear. Thus, we examined the association between microbiota features and incident PD in a prospective cohort design.

Methods
In the FINRISK 2002 Study, 7231 participants gave a stool sample that underwent shotgun metagenomic sequencing. Participants with missing stool sample, incomplete covariate data, pregnancy, antibiotic use, and prevalent cases were excluded (final n = 5562). Cox regression models, adjusted for age, sex, education, smoking, coffee consumption, diabetes, cardiovascular events, and constipation, were used to assess associations between incident PD and microbiota features, ie. alpha diversity (the number of different species present in a sample), beta diversity (the differences in microbial composition between individuals), and abundance of 381 core taxa (compositional detection rate of at least 0.1% and a prevalence of 1%). 120 incident cases of PD, identified through register linkage, occurred during a median follow-up of 17.8 years.

Results
In the multivariate models, PD incidence was not associated with the Shannon index, a measure on alpha diversity, (p-value 0.81), or with the ten first principal component axes in beta diversity analysis (p-values ranging between 0.49-0.91). In permutational analysis, PD did not explain differences in the composition of the gut microbiota (R2 &lt;0.001, p-value 0.46)). None of the core species were associated with PD incidence (all FDR-corrected p-values &gt; 0.05).

Conclusions
This prospective study showed no support for an association between gut microbiota features and incident PD.

Key messages
• Previous findings associating gut microbiota with PD may be due to the cross-sectional design, ie. PD affecting the gut microbiota.
• Suggestions to screen gut bacteria to identify people at high risk of Parkinson’s disease are vastly premature as the scientific evidence is inconclusive.
Mortality and causes of death in Serbia: redistribution of garbage codes to ischemic heart disease
Authors: Stamenkovic Z , Santric Milicevic M , Todorovic J , Rosic N , Brankovic B , Tamburkovski G , Jankovic Mladenovic S , Miltenovic S 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Cardiovascular diseases are ranked as the number one cause of death in Serbia, and one-fifth of them present ischemic heart disease (IHD). However, the physicians certifying the cause of death have either not been adequately involved in how to complete a death certificate according to the current International Statistical Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) or due to a high level of administrative tasks sometimes fail to complete the process of death certification. That is why we aimed to investigate the garbage codes (GCs) and the effects of their redistribution on underlying cause of death (CoD) estimates for IHD for 2015 and 2020.

Methods
Data from Belgrade mortality statistics in 2015 and 2020 were used to describe the occurrence and redistribution of garbage codes (GCs), defined as unspecified or impossible causes of death. In order to redistribute GCs we observed the underlying, antecedent, immediate causes and other conditions that contributed to deaths. Redistribution was done by consulting GBD methodology for GC proportional redistribution. The ICD-10 code range for IHD is I20-I25.

Results
In Belgrade, 17% (4022/23663) and 20.9% (5818/27775) of the deaths were coded with a garbage code in 2015 and 2020, respectively. In 2015, 2102 deaths (10.7% of all well-defined CoD) were attributed to IHD, while in 2020, 1806 (8,2% of all well-defined CoD) deaths were attributed to IHD. Finally, we redistributed a total of 452 deaths (GC type 1 203.9, GC type 2 122.1 and GC type 3 126.2 deaths) and 572 deaths (GC type 1 250.1, GC type 2 110.9, GC type 3 210.7 and GC type 4 22) due to IHD in 2015 and 2020, respectively. These calculations indicate a total number of 2554 and 2378 deaths due to IHD in 2015 and 2020, respectively.

Conclusions
A more detailed analysis of local practices, as well as continuing medical education in the field of death certification, could be a step forward in the future process of decreasing the number of GCs.

Key messages
• Since the huge number of deaths was added to ischemic heart disease in 2015 and 2020, it is crucial to focus on a more reliable disease surveillance system including better coding practices.
• A deep understanding of the garbage codes and their redistribution could significantly shape future decisions on factors contributing to ischemic heart diseases.