bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Flooding and Mental Health interventions for vulnerable groups
Authors: Munro A , Armstrong L , Tran A , Landeg O , Petrokofsky C , O’Connell E , Kar-Purkayastha I , Rajamani A , Coleman P , Sousa A 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Issue/Problem
The UK is increasingly vulnerable to flooding due to climate change, which significantly affects mental health. Vulnerable populations are disproportionately impacted, experiencing stress, anxiety, and other severe mental health issues, requiring effective intervention strategies.

Description of the problem
The UK’s third Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA) highlights flooding as a key challenge, with mental health impacts representing a major health burden. Effective interventions are crucial for these communities.

Results
UKHSA’s flooding and mental health guidance is incorporated into flooding and health advice documents for the public and frontline responders. It includes assessment and support strategies for health and social care staff, emergency responders, and local authorities. It focuses on those most at risk and promotes a phased approach to care-from immediate safety and shelter to long-term psychological support. This strategy accommodates the prolonged nature of mental health recovery, requiring adaptable and sustained interventions.

Lessons
Addressing the mental health impacts of flooding demands a comprehensive, multi-phase strategy that adapts to the evolving needs of affected populations. Early intervention and long-term support are vital to mitigate the extensive psychosocial damage.

Key messages
• Flooding severely affects mental health, necessitating structured, long-term interventions.
• Flexible support strategies that evolve over time are crucial for effective recovery, ensuring that interventions meet the changing needs of those impacted by flooding.
Clean-up actions as catalysts for sustainability and physical activity promotion
Authors: Rosa G B , Ourique M 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Issue
The convergence of global sustainability and health promotion implies integrated policies and actions. Initiatives like the European Green Deal and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals emphasize the urgent need to address climate change while promoting health through behaviours such as physical activity (PA).

Description
We explore the relationship between PA, sustainability, and health outcomes, highlighting the European Green Deal’s impact on PA promotion and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’s alignment with health behaviours. In addition, we further discuss the concept of “green exercise” and provide insights about how eco-friendly initiatives (e.g., plogging) may have dual benefits in both individual and environmental domains.

Results
Emerging eco-friendly activities, including plogging, plalking and pliking, directly benefit the environment, while holding the potential to contribute to PA accumulation. Walking while picking up litter (i.e., plalking) can represent up to 4-5 metabolic equivalents (METs), which corresponds to performing a moderate-intensity PA. If other activities - running or cycling - are performed while picking up litter, the number of METs (i.e., &gt;6 METs) involved may correspond to performing a vigorous-intensity PA.

Lessons
The physiological impact of eco-friendly activities, such as litter picking, reveals their potential as moderate to vigorous-intensity PA, favouring compliance with WHO PA recommendations (i.e., 150 min/week). Integrated policies and actions are needed to address global challenges effectively, emphasizing the interconnectedness of PA promotion, sustainability efforts, and health outcomes.

Key messages
• Engaging in green initiatives fosters PA and supports the United Nations’ goals for health and sustainability.
• Plogging and similar eco-activities offer dual benefits: cleaner environments and healthier lifestyles.
Urban Green Spaces on Maternal Sleep Quality One Year Postpartum Amid COVID-19 Alert Level Changes
Authors: Chen P A , Hsu H W , Zou M L , Wu C D , Chen Y H 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Benefits of green spaces (GS) on sleep quality were found, particularly for mothers, which, in turn, contributed to maternal health and offspring development. However, the COVID-19 pandemic imposed restrictions on environmental access, potentially altering the influence of urban GS on sleep quality. This study aims to explore the impact of urban GS on maternal sleep quality one year postpartum during the pandemic.

Methods
Participants were drawn from the Longitudinal Examination across Prenatal and Postpartum Health in Taiwan study, tracking individuals from early pregnancy across five hospitals in Taipei since 2011. We utilized data spanning from 2019 to 2024, with May 2021 (the initial soft lockdown due to community spread) serving as the cutoff point to delineate early and late pandemic stages. Self-reported sleep quality one year postpartum was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Residential GS was evaluated using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) within various radii (250m to 2000m). Multiple logistic regression was utilized.

Results
From the 311 participants, in the early stage of the pandemic, an increase of 0.1 units in NDVI within a 250m radius during both prenatal and postnatal periods (0-12 months) was associated with improved maternal sleep quality (OR = 1.57; 95% CI = 1.08, 2.32, and OR = 1.58; 95% CI = 1.07, 2.30) after adjustments. The impact diminished as the radius increased. Additionally, no significant association was found during the late stage of the pandemic across any of the studied radii.

Conclusions
The findings suggest a positive correlation between proximity to urban GS and maternal sleep quality during the early stages of the pandemic, with more significant benefits observed at shorter distances, likely due to restricted movement and access. These results underscore the importance of proximity in urban planning and environmental improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing maternal and child health.

Key messages
• Urban green spaces significantly enhance maternal sleep quality one year postpartum in the early stages of the pandemic, highlighting the importance of proximity for health benefits.
• As the radius of green spaces decreased, their positive impact on maternal sleep quality during the early pandemic intensified, underscoring the need for adaptive urban planning strategies.
Investigation of Global Climate Change Awareness Levels Among Faculty of Medicine Students
Authors: Gündoğdu S , Sülü M , Boz G , Baran A , Özer A 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
According to the WHO, climate change is the biggest threat to global health in the 21st century. Thus, it is important to understand medicine faculty students’-who are future doctors-awareness of climate change and its effects on human health. The aim of this study is to determine the level of awareness of Inonu University Faculty of Medicine students about global climate change.

Methods
This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between February and March 2024. The target population consisted of 1692 students studying in a medical university. The sample size was calculated as 260 students based on a percentage of awareness of global climate change of 32.3%, and 283 respondents were included in the study. A questionnaire was used that included questions about the respondents’ sociodemographic characteristics and global climate change awareness. In addition, they answered the items of the Awareness Scale of University Students About Global Climate Change (GCCAS). The dependent variable was total GCCAS scores, and the independent variables included age, concern about climate change, and knowledge status. A Student’s t-test was used in the statistical analysis.

Results
Of the students, 50.2% were female, 51.6% were older than 22 years of age, 82% were worried about the negative effects of climate change, 79.5% said they received no education about climate change during their medical education. The mean total GCCAS score in the study group was 71.74 +/-13.81. Women, students who were concerned about climate change, and those who had knowledge about climate change had significantly higher mean GCCAS scores (p &lt; 0.05).

Conclusions
More than 75% of study group said that they had received no education about climate change. However, the percentage of students who were aware of and concerned about climate change and who had information about climate change was even higher.

Key messages
• Due to the potential for medical students to encounter the health effects of climate change, these issues should be included in education programs to increase their awareness of this important issue.
• Medical students need to take conscious and informative steps regarding climate change to help protect the health of future generations.
Guidance on health promoting and climate-friendly hospitals and health services
Authors: Metzler B , Ronge-Toloraya A , Eder J , Zillmann N 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The negative impacts of climate change on health and the healthcare system are becoming increasingly evident. The healthcare sector, which accounts for nearly seven percent of Austria’s CO2 emissions, contributes to the exacerbation of climate change on one hand, but is also affected by its consequences on the other. To meet these challenges, it is necessary for healthcare facilities to both adopt climate-protective measures and adapt to the changed conditions. A project launched in 2023, supported by the Austrian Health Promotion Agenda and in cooperation with the Austrian Network of Health Promoting Hospitals and Health Services, has shown that there is a need for support in implementing climate protection measures in healthcare facilities. In response, the WHO Collaborating Centre for Health Promotion in Hospitals and Healthcare, located at the Competence Centre for Health Promotion and Healthcare at the Austrian National Public Health Institute, will work on the development of standards based on international models to support healthcare facilities in the introduction of climate-friendly practices until 2026. The methodology of the project includes the analysis of existing quality criteria and instruments, as well as a modified Delphi process with two rounds of online questionnaires directed at an international panel of experts. After each round, exchange meetings with a smaller group from the panel take place to achieve consensus. Based on the research findings and the Delphi consultations, a draft of standards and an implementation manual will be created. These drafts will be piloted in various healthcare facilities in Austria and other countries to assess their practicability and effectiveness. Following the pilot tests, the standards and the manual will be revised to integrate the practical insights gained. At the time of the conference, the initial results of the Delphi process will be presented, providing insights for the further development of the standards.

Key messages
• Integrating climate-friendly practices into all aspects of healthcare can reduce its environmental impact, improve health outcomes, and contribute to the broader sustainable development goals.
• Climate-friendly approaches yield significant health, economic, and social co-benefits.
Climate change among health students in France: a multicenter, cross-sectional study
Authors: Guihenneuc J , Cambien G , Talineau M , Migeot V , Ayraud-Thevenot S 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Climate change (CC) has been identified as the greatest global health threat of our time. To foster the resilience of our health system and promote sustainable health, it is essential to rely on aware and trained actors. We evaluated the level of awareness, perception, and commitment of health students in France about CC and sustainable development (SD) issues. We also assessed their expectations in terms of initial training on these subjects.

Methods
We conducted an observational, cross-sectional, multicentre study targeting students enrolled in Medicine, Pharmacy, Odontology, Maieutics, Nursing, Physiotherapy, and Medical Electroradiology in the southwest region of France. The questionnaire used was designed to identify the Knowledge, Behaviors, Practices, and expectations on SD and CC during their studies. It was distributed in a format to be completed online in April 2022.

Results
A total of 529/7000 (7.5%) health students participated in our survey. Our results show that students have little perception of the impact of the health system on CC. However, they are already committed to reducing energy (97%) and water consumption (94.5%) and sorting their waste (87.8%) in their daily lives. Among students, 73.6% envision themselves as future actors in sustainable healthcare. Although they expect a strong commitment from their training institution, 92% of them think that students are the most active on these issues. Regarding their training, 83% of them think that it should integrate CC and SD issues, while 58.7% say that they have never dealt with this topic at this stage of their studies.

Conclusions
In France, the initial training of future health professionals must be rapidly adapted and must enable them to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to understand the health impacts of CC on the one hand and to reduce the impact of the health sector on the climate on the other to build climate resilient and environmentally sustainable health systems.

Key messages
• French health students appear to be committed to the fight against climate change.
• Initial training of future health professionals needs to be adapted to give them the knowledge and skills to understand the challenges of climate change with health and the health system.
Autochthonous dengue outbreak in Lombardy, Italy: enhanced surveillance and vector control measures
Authors: Scardina G , Faccini M , Rossetti E , Bonini M , Barozzi M , Valenti M , Cereda D , Rovida F , Baldanti F , Senatore S 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Description of the problem
On 18 August 2023, the first autochthonous case of dengue was registered in Lombardy, in a person living in a village in Lodi province. The case, a man with no history of travels prior to symptoms onset, developed flu-like symptoms on 3 August. After initial suspicion of WNV infection, he was confirmed to have a DENV-1 infection. Following the notification, measures to control the spread of the disease were activated, including alert of healthcare professionals, vector control activities, entomological monitoring and active case finding among household contacts and people living close to the case. Moreover, a serological screening was proposed to population of the entire municipality, along with a survey collecting data about travels abroad and symptoms.

Results
Forty-one confirmed and six probable autochthonous cases were identified. The last case developed symptoms on 20 October. Among confirmed cases, 24 were identified after admission to Emergency Department, 16 through community screening and one at the time of blood donation. 38/41 confirmed cases were symptomatic, with fever, rash and retro-orbital pain being the most common symptoms. Mean age was 55,5 years (3-88), while male: female ratio was 2:1. Hospitalisation was required for 7/41 cases. Community screening was offered from 25 August to 8 October and 416 individuals participated. Among them 10 tested positive for DENV IgG and 27 for DENV IgM (16 were subsequently confirmed as DENV cases, 6 remained probable and 5 were ruled out as non-cases). The primary case of the outbreak was not identified. Vector control activities and entomological monitoring were conducted on 21 August within 200-m radius area around the residence and places visited by index case. Subsequent interventions were conducted in all public areas and sensitive sites of the municipality.

Lessons
Enhancement of surveillance through community screening allowed identification of several additional autochthonous cases.

Key messages
• Strengthening of surveillance, vector control activities and entomological monitoring is crucial to prevent and control future outbreaks in non-endemic areas with stable presence of Aedes mosquitoes.
• To minimize the risk of introduction and spread of dengue virus in non-endemic areas, it is essential to raise awareness among travellers and general population about preventive and control measures.
Association of Built Environment with Well-Being: An Experience Sampling Method
Authors: Chen Y , Nakagomi A , Hanazato M , Abe N , Ide K , Kondo K 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Well-being (WB) is important because it extends beyond physical health, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO). From a temporal perspective, WB encompasses two aspects: long-term WB (LWB), such as overall life satisfaction, and momentary WB (MWB), such as immediate mood. While research has demonstrated a positive association between built environments such as urban land, grassland areas, and LWB, there is limited research exploring the association between the characteristics of built environments and MWB.

Methods
We applied the Experience Sampling Method (ESM) to collect data on the location, detailed environmental characteristics, and the MWB and LWB of adult participants living in Kashiwa City, Japan. Structural equation modeling was used to calculate the correlation coefficients between different built environments and both MWB and LWB.

Results
Nine hundred reports from 273 valid participants were obtained. In terms of types of locations, it was shown that cafes/restaurants/bars (coefficients = 0.85), culture/sport/education facilities (0.45), and public spaces (0.62) have a positive association with MWB. Additionally, environments perceived as natural (0.43), relaxing, and clean (2.31) have a positive association with MWB. Conversely, being on the move (-0.88) and vibrant environments (-0.58) have a negative association with MWB. Moreover, higher LWB levels were associated with higher MWB (0.64).

Conclusions
This study used the ESM to measure MWB and confirmed an association with various built environments. These findings provide guidance for city planning and policies that focus on enhancing urban well-being. This study highlights the benefits of places such as parks and cafes that promote happiness and the need for well-designed transportation and roads. These elements are important for developing urban areas that not only meet residents’ physical requirements but also support their emotional and psychological well-being.

Key messages
• Our findings show that public spaces, cafes, and cultural facilities are significantly associated with MWB, highlighting their role in urban planning as places that promote happiness.
• ‘Being on the move’ is associated with lower MWB, indicating the need for well-designed transportation and road environments.
Exploring knowledge, attitudes and practices towards sustainable food aid programmes across Europe
Authors: Belogianni K , Oliveira M A , Rodrigues A , Truszkowska N , Żebrowska D , Jasińska A , Striglio F , Knöbl C F , Patsea M 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Food insecurity has increased following the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine conflict. In some EU high-income countries, more than 70% of food aid users experience food insecurity, highlighting the need for food aid programmes to provide good quality and sustainable services and maximise the social inclusion of food aid users. The aim of this study was to identify areas that can promote sustainability in food aid programmes.

Methods
Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards sustainable food aid were assessed via a quantitative questionnaire. Socio-demographic data were also collected. The survey was translated and disseminated online across 5 EU countries (Austria, Cyprus, Greece, Poland, Portugal), targeting staff and volunteers involved in food aid programmes (20 per country, total N = 100). Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis.

Results
Most participants were female (68%), 18-49 years old (87%) and occupied in a NGO (89%) as employee (55%). The mean total knowledge score was 11.8 out of 19 (SD 3.2) with low knowledge (% of correct answers) on household food waste (18%) and environmental impact of cooking appliances (29%). In all countries (except Austria) more than 70% of participants agreed that they can apply sustainability through their work; however, more than 50% agreed that sustainability is not always feasible in food aid programmes. Food loss/waste, access to local food and the economic crisis were the main parameters reported to impact sustainability in food aid (≥70% of N). The most frequently applied practices were storing food according to expiration date, monitoring quantities in food distribution, considering beneficiaries’ needs and reading food labels. The least frequently applied practices were composting food leftovers and using energy-efficient methods to distribute food.

Conclusions
Sustainability is considered important; however, more effort is needed to promote and embed sustainability parameters in food aid programmes.

Key messages
• Sustainability is considered important in food aid programmes; however, more effort is needed to promote and embed sustainability parameters in practice.
• Identifying sustainability areas in food aid programmes can lead to successful educational and training initiatives.
3.E. Scientific session: Environmental Health Tracking Systems: a tool for planetary health
Authors:   Organised by: EUPHA-HIA, -ENV, -PHMR, International Network on Public Health and Environment Tracking,   Chair persons: Piedad Martin-Olmedo (EUPHA-HIA), Peter Van Den Hazel (EUPHA-ENV)
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Planetary health offers a good framework for better understanding the interconnection between human health and environmental changes, promoting effective cross-sector actions and partnerships, and ensuring policy coherence. Effective implementation of this conceptual framework requires monitoring and reporting on indicators relevant to planetary health that capture the scope, spatial and temporal scales of changes in natural systems that affect human health and well-being. An approach in that sense are the environmental public health tracking systems (EPHT), which imply the ongoing collection, integration, analysis, and interpretation of data at the same spatiotemporal scale about environmental hazards, and related human exposure and health effects, maintaining appropriate data protection measures. It aims to provide public-health decision makers with timely, accurate and systematic data for quantifying health impacts related to environmental factors. EPHT system are proposed as an essential tool for designing and monitoring policies and actions that prevent and reduce environmental health burdens (EHB) efficiently and cost-effectively, and as an alerting system against present and future climatic and health crisis. Pursuing such goals requires the use of health information systems that enable the monitoring and assessing of environmental health in multiple dimensions, considering specificities across different geographical and cultural settings. EPHT system requires defining a rationale on how to select the dimensions and indicators to be included. Common challenges for defining those indicators are related to the availability of data recording, data standardization, and the linkage, integration and sharing of databases. In parallel, it is also important to define a decision aiding tools in which evidence and data are understandable and inform about the extent to which specific policy goals are attained, tailoring such tools to the specific settings. Present session attends to answers to those challenges by sharing experiences from different contexts and countries

Key messages
• EPHT systems represent an effective tool for progressing in achieving planetary health goals and as a surveillance alerting system for future health crisis.
• Adjusting EH data quality recording and analysis in EPHT systems is essential for improving resources assignment, and the effectiveness of healthy policies in reducing EHB.