bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accounting for health equity in policy evaluation: a content analysis of primary research
Authors: Sell K , Rabbani S , Burns J 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Public Health researchers increasingly make use of sophisticated study designs and methods to evaluate the effects of policies on health and social outcomes. Natural experiment evaluation (NEE) conceptualises policies as ‘natural’ experiments that occur outside of the control of researchers. Often, NEE employs quasi-experimental methods (QEM) which enable researchers to rigorously evaluate the effect of population-level interventions. As for other health-related research, it is unclear to what extent such public health evaluations can and do consider the (health) equity implications of policies. We sought to investigate how health equity is addressed in NEEs and other policy evaluations that employ QEM.

Methods
We identified a random sample of primary research as part of a pre-registered scoping review (https://osf.io/3h6cb/). Studies that employed methods labelled as interrupted time series, difference-in-differences, controlled before and after, regression discontinuity, and synthetic control were included. Through content analysis, we examined how health equity was considered in data analysis and discussion sections.

Results
We analysed 59 studies, of which 25 were stratified for one or more socially-stratifying factors. Results were mainly stratified by sex (n = 15, 25.4%), age (n = 13, 22%), and diverse measures of socioeconomic status (n = 14, 23.7%), i.e. income, employment, education, or other factors. Of these, 21 studies included a discussion of health equity-related results, ranging from a few sentences to a holistic discussion including recommendations for decision-makers. Most commonly, researchers recommended monitoring of policy effects in different sub-populations, and careful policy design that conceptualises complex policy effects, including unintended and unequitable effects.

Conclusions
Policy evaluations have great potential for informing public health decision-making but health equity aspects were under-examined in these studies.

Key messages
• Health equity is assessed by evaluating policy effects in relevant sub-populations. Only 25 of 59 studies included results that were stratified for one or more socially stratifying factors.
• Studies that were focused on disadvantaged populations commonly included recommendations for policymakers, calling for better policy design and improved monitoring of policy effects.
Covid-19 and mental health hospitalizations in Italy. Results from a multicenter longitudinal cohort
Authors: Petrelli A , Ventura M , Ciampichini R , Di Napoli A , Fano V , Pacifici M , Rosini C , Voller F , Zucchi A , Aragona M 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The impact of Covid-19 pandemic on mental health (MH) is still being assessed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of Covid-19 on ordinary hospital admissions for psychiatric disorders in Italy.

Methods
The multicenter project “Covid-19 and mental health” (CoMeH), coordinated by the National Institute for Health, Migration and Poverty, enrolled an open cohort of subjects resident in three large areas of Italy (2018-2021) aged 10 + (N = 5,159,363), and followed-up until 2021. The study outcome was the first ordinary admission with a psychiatric disorder as main diagnosis (FMHA). Citizenship and deprivation level (DL) are the socioeconomic factor considered. Different groups of diagnosis were used to characterize the hospitalizations. The impact of Covid-19 on FMHAs was evaluated by interrupted time series (ITS) analysis, pre (until February 2020) and post (from March 2020) the outbreak of pandemic, using a step-change model.

Results
11,171 FMHAs were observed. Patients hospitalized with a MH diagnosis were younger compared to the study population; the distributions by sex, deprivation level and citizenship were similar. A decrease of incidence of FMHAs was found after the outbreak of the pandemic, overall and for all group of diagnoses, except for post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). A reduction in adjusted FMHA rates after the onset of Covid-19 (RR 0.80[0.72-0.90]) were observed through multivariate ITS. The oldest patients had the lowest probabilities of FMHAs in pre Covid-19 and experienced the highest reduction in post-Covid19. PTSD presented trend in countertendency compared with the other diagnosis, with an immediate effect of Covid-19 increasing FMHAs (+97%), followed by a post-outbreak return to the pre-pandemic levels, below the counterfactual line.

Conclusions
Covid-19 pandemic determined a general reduction of admissions for psychiatric disorders. A significant impact was observed among the eldest (decrease) and for PTSD (increase).

Key messages
• Covid-19 pandemic determined a reduction of admissions for psychiatric disorders.
• Older people were mostly affected. No significant socioeconomic impact was observed.
Digital services as alternative for in-person visits among clients with long-term illnesses
Authors: Kainiemi E , Virtanen L , Aalto A-M , Heponiemi T 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
For individuals managing long-term illnesses and often requiring complex care across health and social care sectors, the transition to digital platforms holds considerable potential to facilitate management of one’s health. This study examined factors among people with long-term illnesses associated with their perception that digital services had replaced in-person visits in health and social care.

Methods
A total of 11,012 Finnish residents with long-term illnesses necessitating regular care (56% female, mean age 56.9, SE .23) responded to a nationwide population survey between September 2022 and March 2023. The Inverse Probability Weighting method was used to correct for bias. Complex samples binary logistic regression was used to examine whether factors related to self-rated health, distress, digital skills and perceived benefits of digital services were associated with the replacement of in-person visits by digital services. The model was adjusted for age, gender, education, and urbanicity.

Results
Approximately one third (35.8%) of the respondents indicated that the use of digital services had replaced in-person visits within the past 12 months. Respondents in poor or moderate health (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.02-1.34) had greater odds of reporting the replacement compared to those in good health. Those with proficient digital skills (OR 1.84, 1.57-2.14) and those perceiving more benefits in digital services (OR 1.56, 1.47-1.74) had greater odds of reporting of the replacement compared to their counterparts.

Conclusions
Transition to digital services could facilitate access to care for individuals with long-term illnesses perceiving their health poorer. Promoting digital skills and perceptions of benefits of digital services can significantly increase the use of digital services as substitutes of in-person visits and contribute to more efficient allocation of health and social care resources.

Key messages
• Especially those reporting poorer health seem to use digital services as replacements of in-person visits, offering the potential to optimize resource utilization in health and social services.
• Promotion of digital skills and perceptions of the benefits of digital services could increase the use of digital services as replacements for traditional visits with health and social professionals.
Fear of falling as a psychological consequence of fall in older adults
Authors: Tamulaityte-Morozoviene I , Dadoniene J , Stukas R , Tamulaitiene M , Alekna V , Jakubauskiene M 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Falls is one of geriatric syndromes that impact active ageing. It is a major public health problem as falls can lead to irreversible health, social, and psychological consequences, and a large economic burden.

Methods
Elderly women, aged 65 years and above, who attended the National Osteoporosis Center for diagnostic or treatment purposes, participated in telephone interviews. These interviews aimed to document the outcomes and healthcare measures associated with any falls they experienced in the preceding 12 months. There was used a specially prepared questionnaire for demographic and falls data, fear of falling questionnaire “Falls Efficacy Scale International” (FES-I) and physical activity questionnaire “Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly” (PASE).

Results
The study population consisted of 339 community-dwelling women (mean age 72.9±5.3 years) all of whom reported experiencing one or more falls. One in three of these women had fallen two or more times. Most of all their fall resulted in an injury, and 79 (23.3%) reported falls led to bone fractures. Fear of falling was reported as a consequence of experienced fall by 251 (74.1%) women. Almost half of fallers restricted their everyday activities. The primary cause for limiting everyday activities was identified as pain.

Conclusions
Fear of falling was reported by 74.1% of women who fell during the previous 12 months. Every woman who experienced hip or vertebral fractures subsequently restricted their daily activities.

Key messages
• Fear of falling is common among elderly women who has fallen once or more.
• The restriction of everyday activities is usually reported by women who feel pain and are afraid to fall again.
Latent class analysis of attitudes towards drug use and well-being among South Korean young adults
Authors: Lee S , Chun J S , Lee J 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The surge in drug use and lack of awareness about drug-related dangers among young adults have become major public health concerns in South Korea. According to the Theory of Planned Behavior, understanding attitudes towards drugs is crucial, as permissive attitudes may lead to drug use. Thus, the study aims to identify latent classes of drug use attitudes among Korean young adults and evaluate how their well-being influences each class.

Methods
A total of 301 college students in Seoul, South Korea, participated in the study. Latent class analysis (LCA) was employed to identify unique patterns of attitudes towards drug use. Subsequently, we examined the relationships between auxiliary variables (i.e., well-being, including life satisfaction, self-control, quality of life, depression, generalized anxiety disorder, childhood trauma, self-esteem, stress, family strengths, perceived social support, and stigmatization) and latent classes (i.e., attitudes towards drug use subgroups) by conducting multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results
LCA categorized attitudes towards drug use into three groups: Class 1 (Permissive Drug Attitude Group), Class 2 (Moderate Drug Attitude Group), and Class 3 (Critical Drug Attitude Group). Class 2 showed a particularly permissive view on marijuana legalization. In multivariate logistic regression, higher stigmatization (β = .900, p &lt; .05) was associated with membership in Class 1 compared to Class 3. Furthermore, being male (β = 2.272, p &lt; .001) and having higher self-esteem (β = .989, p &lt; .05) were linked to membership in Class 2 compared to Class 3.

Conclusions
The study enhances understanding of the complex relationship between Korean young adults’ well-being and their drug use attitudes. Effective interventions by frontline social workers aimed at preventing drug use should continuously monitor and address social stigmatization and self-esteem while providing accurate information and education regarding drug use.

Key messages
• Latent Class Analysis sorted drug attitudes into three groups: ‘Permissive,’ ‘Moderate,’ and ‘Critical’ Attitude Groups.
• Individuals experiencing social stigmatization had a higher risk of permissive attitudes, while higher self-esteem increased the likelihood of being in the moderate group over the critical group.
Psychological Capital Promotion in Universities
Authors: Fontes A 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The rise in student depression and anxiety highlights a crucial intersection between education and public health. Academic pressures intensify mental health issues, necessitating comprehensive strategies to address them.

Objectives
This study assessed the effectiveness of a Psychological Capital (PsyCap) intervention in enhancing university students’ PsyCap and reducing anxiety, aligning with broader public health education goals.

Methods
A randomized controlled trial was conducted, where students either received a PsyCap intervention or were placed on a wait-list. The intervention, based on Luthans et al.’s guidelines, was delivered online and included self-reflection, goal-setting, and resource assessment.

Results
Post-intervention, the PsyCap of students in the intervention group significantly increased (M = 1.098, SD = 0.24, CI [0.98, 1.21], t(17) = 19.72, p &lt; .001). There was also a significant reduction in GAD scores (M = -0.24, SD = 0.46, CI [-0.47, -0.01], t(17) = -2.19, p = .043). No significant changes were observed in the control group.

Conclusions
Short-term PsyCap interventions can significantly improve students’ mental resilience and decrease anxiety, suggesting their integration into educational curricula. This study underlines the need for educational and public health sectors to collaborate in mitigating mental health issues among students, particularly in response to crises like COVID-19. Addressing the rising anxiety among students through brief, online PsyCap interventions shows promise. This approach not only enhances PsyCap but also lowers anxiety, advocating for their regular inclusion in educational settings to support student mental health.

Key messages
• Results from a controlled trial revealed increases in PsyCap and decreases in anxiety.Findings advocate integrating such interventions into educational curricula promoting student mental health.
• Recent trends indicate a rise in anxiety among students, challenging both educational and public health. Addressing this, the study evaluated the impact of a brief online (PsyCap) intervention.
Effect of moderate wine consumption on men’s sexual potential
Authors: Varga L , Oláh C S , Molnár P , Oláh Z S , Oláh B , Kiss I , Hajzer EZS , Tóth M , Czabajszki M , Váradi C S 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Drinking large amounts of alcohol has a negative effect on men’s sexual activity and reproductive potential. High alcohol intake can interfere with hormone production in the hypothalamus. The connection between low alcohol consumption and sexual activity is not yet clear from previous research.

Methods
In the course of a prospective study with ethical approval, we examined how the consumption of 1 deciliter of white wine per day for 5 weeks affects the parameters of men’s sexual life. In the course of strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, 45 healthy male volunteers were included in the study. 25 men in the active arm drank wine, while 20 men in the control arm drank apple juice instead of wine for 5 weeks. On day 0 and week 6, we examined the serum testosterone level, liver enzymes, inflammatory parameters, anxiety level, sleep quality and sexual activity of the participating men using objective tests.

Results
As a result of consuming moderate white wine for 5 weeks, the men’s testosterone level increased significantly, inflammatory parameters and liver enzyme values decreased, the sleep quality of the participants in the active arm improved, their pain decreased, and their quality of life improved. The sexual performance of 85% of participants in the active arm improved, none of them deteriorated. No similar improvement occurred in the control arm.

Conclusions
Moderate wine consumption improves the sexual performance, quality of life and several laboratory parameters of healthy men.

Key messages
• Based on our pilot prospective clinical study, men do not need to fear that a small amount of wine will negatively affect their sexual performance.
• Moderate wine consumption had a positive effect on men’s testosterone levels, quality of life and also improved sleep quality.
Results from the Swiss Cohort of Healthcare Professionals: Intention to stay and well-being
Authors: Peytremann-Bridevaux I , Jubin J , Le Saux C , Roth L , Zuercher E , Oulevey Bachmann A , Gilles I 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
In the context of personnel shortages and high turnover rates in the healthcare sector, the Swiss COhort of Healthcare Professionals and Informal CAregivers (SCOHPICA) seeks to understand which factors act as determinants of professionals’ intent to stay in their profession and well-being, and to monitor their trajectories.

Methods
This cross-sectional study used baseline data from a prospective open cohort including any type of healthcare professionals practicing in Switzerland. They were invited to complete an online questionnaire measuring their intent to stay in their profession and well-being, several determinants of these, sociodemographic and socioprofessional characteristics, and they were able provide open comments. Standard statistical and thematic analyses were performed where appropriate.

Results
5927 participants completed the 2022 (n = 1707) or 2023 (n = 4220) questionnaire, and 1811 left open comments. Preliminary results revealed that the main determinants of intention to stay and well-being were work-life balance, opportunities for development, and meaning of work. Moreover, nine sub-themes were identified in open comments, grouped under three main themes: 1) working hours and private life; 2) working conditions, relating to administrative work, salary, health and staffing issues, participants with a low intent to stay being overrepresented in the last two; 3) career paths, exploring employer changes or training recongnition.

Conclusions
Finding a balance between constraints inherent to the healthcare professions and professionals’ social life as well as reintroducing sense at work are key aspects that policymakers should take into account to brake turnover, retain healthcare professionals and make health professions attractive again.

Key messages
• Work-life balance, opportunities for development, and meaning of work appeared to be reasons to stay in healthcare professions.
• People thinking of leaving commented on staffing and their own health.
Catching-Up in Islamabad, Pakistan: Identifying and Reaching Zero-Dose Children Following the COVID-19
Authors: Baig R 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Routine Immunisation (RI) is critical in mitigating child morbidity and mortality while preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Nevertheless, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in considerable disruptions, which have given rise to an unprecedented number of zero-dose (ZD) infants. It has presented formidable obstacles for healthcare systems on an international scale.

Methods
The study employed a retrospective analysis of data obtained from thirteen Supplementary Immunisation Activities (SIAs) that were carried out from 2019 to 2021 to investigate the fluctuations in the documented number of children with ZD. Health authority stakeholder interviews yielded valuable insights about vaccination strategies and obstacles.

Results
An enormous increase in the number of documented ZD minors were identified during the study period. The number of documented ZD minors rose from 3,827 in 2019 to 4,271 in 2020, and then again to 9,620 in 2021. Notwithstanding diligent attempts to immunise ZD children, the vaccination rate persisted at a less-than-ideal 81.24% of documented ZD children in 2021.

Conclusions
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, pre-existing obstacles to accessing ZD infants in Islamabad were further intensified. The lessons learned emphasise the significance of community engagement, improved outreach strategies, and fortified healthcare infrastructure in guaranteeing comprehensive immunisation coverage. It is imperative to confront these challenges to reduce the likelihood of subsequent epidemics and protect children’s health.

Key messages
• The spread of COVID-19 among ZD neonates in Islamabad accelerated, prompting calls for improved vaccination programmes.
• The suboptimal ZD vaccination rate in 2021, despite concerted efforts, underscores the criticality for enhanced strategies.
Body mass index change and risk of poor oral health in Norwegian adults: the HUNT longitudinal study
Authors: Myhr A , Jiang L , Stangvaltaite-Mouhat L , Skudutyte-Rysstad R , Sen A 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Oral diseases and obesity share common risk factors and are highly prevalent. However, the relationships between body mass index (BMI), BMI change and oral health conditions in adults are less studied. In this study, we investigate the associations of long-term obesity and BMI change with risk of poor self-rated oral health among adults.

Methods
This study include individuals aged 29-90 years (57.8 % women, mean age at baseline, HUNT3, was 54.9 years) who participated in the first (HUNT1, 1984-86), second (HUNT2, 1995-97), third (HUNT3, 2006-08) and fourth (HUNT4, 2017-19) survey of the Trondelag Health Study (HUNT). Weight and height were measured at each survey. We estimated average BMI values and BMI change over a 10-year (HUNT2- HUNT3, N = 19,729) and 20-year (HUNT1- HUNT3, N = 14,276) period and linked to their information on oral health status at HUNT4. We employed logistic regression models with adjustment for confounders and computed odds ratio (OR) with 95 % Confidence Interval (CI).

Results
At HUNT4, 1812 (9.2 %) participants rated their oral health as poor or very poor. The multivariable-adjusted ORs for average BMI over 30 kg/m2 were 1.3 (95 % CI: 1.1-1.5) and 1.2 (95 % CI: 1.0-1.5) over a 10-year and 20-year period, respectively, when compared to normal weight. After adjustment for most recent BMI (HUNT4), the associations of long-term obesity with poor self-rated oral health weakened. Compared with stable BMI, both loss and gain in BMI over a 10-year period were associated with increased risk of poor oral health. In the adjusted analysis, we found that a BMI loss of more than 2.5 kg/m2 and a BMI gain of more than 5 kg/m2 was associated with 1.5 times (OR = 1.5, 95 % CI: 1.1-1.9) and 1.3 times (OR = 1.3, 95 % CI: 1.1-1.6) greater risk of poor oral health.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that individuals with long-term obesity and BMI change have a markedly higher risk of poor self-rated oral health.

Key messages
• Long-term obesity was associated with increased risk of poor self-rated oral health.
• Compared with stable body mass index (BMI), loss- and gain in BMI were associated with increased risk of poor self-rated oral health.