bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using electronic health records in assessing the prevalence of hypertension in Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Arykova A , Laatikainen T , Borubaev M , Duishenalieva M , Altymysheva A , Polupanov A 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Non-communicable diseases are an increasing challenge in Kyrgyzstan as well as in other parts of Central Asia. However, there is very little epidemiological data on disease burden in the country. The development of electronic health records in primary health care provides an opportunity to assess the disease incidence and prevalence among patient population.

Methods
All patients with hypertension (HT) diagnoses (ICD-10 I10-I15) were identified from electronic health records used in primary health care in Kyrgyzstan from years 2021, 2022 and 2023 from all 7 regions and Bishkek and Osh cities (n = 132621-152743). Each year, all patients diagnosed with HT during that year or in previous years were included, while those who had passed away were excluded. The incidence and prevalence of patients was calculated using as denominator both the patients who had visited the services as well as registered patients.

Results
The prevalence of patients with hypertension calculated using patients with service use as denominator varied by region between 10.2% to 14.0% and was pretty stable during the observed period. The prevalence was the lowest in Chui region and the highest in Bishkek city. When the prevalence was calculated using the registered patient population the prevalence was only between 1.5% to 3.1%.

Conclusions
The observed prevalences were notably lower compared with data from WHO Steps surveys, which have reported a hypertension prevalence more than 40% among individuals aged 25 to 64. It is known that only approximately 25% of the population in Kyrgyzstan utilize primary healthcare services, with maternity care comprising the largest portion. This factor, coupled with cases that go undiagnosed, could potentially account for the observed low prevalence in electronic patient data. However, the electronic patient records provide useful information on diagnostics and disease burden in the country that can be used in developing the services.

Key messages
• Electronic health records have developed quickly in Kyrgyzstan and enable extraction of patient data from primary health care.
• The low use of primary health care services complicates the use of register data in assessing the disease prevalences.
BELCOHORT: towards a population-based cohort for health research and policy support in Belgium
Authors: Smith P , Bruggeman H , Van der Heyden J 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
In the past decades much progress has been made in Belgium in the development and valorisation of population-based data collections which are directly or indirectly related to health. New surveys have been set up and the use of medico-administrative and environmental data for public health research gained momentum. However, no infrastructure is currently in place to link survey data with existing sources in a longitudinal perspective to address research questions directly relevant to health policy. BELCOHORT is a three-year pilot project aimed at developing a population based cohort enriched with these different data sources. The project is considered as a step towards a large population cohort in Belgium.

Methods
A first wave of participant recruitment was organized in February 2024 using the Belgian national register as a sampling frame, and 41,153 households were invited (targeted sample of 5000 individuals aged 18-69). A first baseline survey (online and paper) was organized and an annual follow-up is planned. Linkages procedures will be implemented with administrative data and geospatial data on air pollution and green space. The inclusion of data from physical examinations and biological samples will be explored.

Results
In the first recruitment wave the individual response rate was only 2.5%, leading to a sample of 1,947 participants. The sample showed an under-representation of women (45%), people aged 18-24 years (2%) and low educated people (21%). In total, 23% of participants opted to complete the first baseline questionnaire on paper. Stakeholder meetings have been started to implement the individual and geospatial linkages.

Conclusions
This project generate insights that will assist in methodological choices in the development of a large population cohort in Belgium. In the second recruitment lessons learned from the first data collection will be used to improve the response rate as well as the participation of under-represented groups.

Key messages
• This study provides insights on how existing population-based data collections including administrative and environmental data can be valorized in setting up a population cohort.
• Recruitment strategies for a population cohort should be tested thoroughly and adapted in order to obtain a well-balanced sample composition.
Global health at local level: characterization of tropical diseases in northern Portugal, 2020-2024
Authors: Malcata F , Silva D , Guedes R , Mendes M , Teixeira R , Ferreira A 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The escalating global prevalence and geographic spread of tropical diseases pose significant global health risks worldwide, with local implications. In Portugal, these diseases require mandatory notification. Concerns were raised following the detection of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes in mainland Portugal in 2017, alongside a Dengue outbreak in Madeira in 2012. Despite Portugal being declared malaria-free, the detection of Anopheles mosquitoes also raises concerns. This study aims at characterizing notified cases of tropical diseases in two cities in Northern Portugal since 2020.

Methods
A retrospective study of Malaria, Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya cases in the Maia & Valongo’s Public Health Unit included data from the National Epidemiological Surveillance System covering January 2020 to April 2024. Descriptive analysis was conducted using SPSS IBM for iOS® v29. Results are presented as mean ± standard deviation for continuous variables and proportions for categorical ones.

Results
Five malaria cases were reported, predominantly affecting males (80%), with an average age of 34±16.96 years. Four were Portuguese and one Angolan. All cases were imported, mostly from Angola (80%). Etiological analysis revealed two cases of Plasmodium malariae and three of Plasmodium falciparum. All were hospitalized, no deaths. Four dengue cases were documented, 50% in males, averaged 33±24.73 years. Three were Portuguese and one Mozambican. One was hospitalized with no deaths. All cases were imported from Brazil, Cuba, Indonesia, and islands of Saint Martin/Saint-Barthélemy. No Zika or Chikungunya confirmed cases were identified during this period.

Conclusions
The increasing incidence of Dengue and Malaria underscores the critical connection between infectious diseases, vector ecology, and global health security. This study highlights the risk of imported Dengue and Malaria cases, emphasizing the imperative for surveillance and preventive actions to protect public health.

Key messages
• Dengue and Malaria cases in Portugal underline the importance of international collaboration and robust strategies.
• Stepped-up surveillance is key to protecting vulnerable groups from imported infections.
One Health literacy and governance of health leaders across three countries following the pandemic
Authors: De Gani S M , Crimlisk H , Bauer B , Desmedt M , Blankart C R 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
To address health threats and promoting health of all, One Health is an important approach. To foster the implementation of One Health, a framework proposed by Blankart et al. (2024) postulates a reinforcing relationship between One Health literacy and governance after being triggered by an external event. We build on this model and aim to explore how the postulated mechanism differs among health policy and practice leaders across the UK, Germany, and Switzerland after the external triggering event of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods
We developed an online survey instrument for each of the 5 elements of the framework and conducted it in April 2024. We targeted mid- and end-career leaders and senior experts from the Sciana network that reported about their personal experiences and perceived changes (scale from -5 to + 5). We performed descriptive and inferential statistics to analyse the data. The survey was complemented by structured interviews to gather contextual information.

Results
Leaders and experts (N = 30, response rate: 30%) increased their One Health literacy (mean: 2.2), increasingly engaged with One Health principles (mean: 1.0), which resulted in more calls for optimized One Health governance (mean: 2.4). The interviewees reported that they adopted and implemented a more consistent One Health governance (mean: 2.6), which led to more familiarity with One Health principles (mean: 2.3). According to the results, the average effect on One Health literacy and Governance was stronger in Germany, followed by Switzerland and the UK.

Conclusions
We have demonstrated that triggering events such as the COVID-19 pandemic have led to improvements in One Health literacy and subsequently One Health governance. We therefore suggest that the postulated framework holds in practice and have showed that there are important differences in uptake between leaders in the three countries. Further research may build on these findings and develop more effective health policy.

Key messages
• We have contributed to the understanding of how pandemics improve One Health literacy and subsequent One Health governance using the example through a survey of leaders in health policy and practice.
• Based on the understanding of triggering events’ effect on One Health literacy and governance specific recommendations for the implementation of One Health in public health can be developed.
Key competencies for global health research: systematic literature review and mapping
Authors: Saint V , Detering B , Franke A , Eger H , Oppenberg J , Rohleder S , Bozorgmehr K 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Despite a boom in global health programmes and trainings, there is a lack of clarity and standardisation about which competencies are essential for researchers in global health, who stem from diverse disciplines and backgrounds. The objective was to map key competencies for global health research and approaches to progressively develop them in education and training.

Methods
We performed a systematic review in English in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Psychinfo/EBCSO host of literature published since 1 January 2010. 1827 articles were screened in duplicate. Data was extracted from 84 publications about focus in global health, recommended competencies and educational approaches, with two researchers giving a relevancy rating. AI-assisted extraction was conducted on 40 high-relevance publications to garner further information, informing development and application of a coding framework to these articles.

Results
Emerging results point to eight main domains and numerous subdomains related to competencies seen as critical for global health research. In addition to traditionally emphasised cognitive competencies (e.g. methodological), the literature underlined the importance of critical analyse of how systems related to globalisation, political economy and structural injustice shape health at local level. Also highlighted was the need for more focus on affective and practical competencies for conducting global health research in alignment with equity principles, including through innovative pedagogical approaches.

Conclusions
Our review identifies competencies seen as essential for global health researchers, including skills to critically analyse geopolitical, colonial and structural drivers, as well as self-reflexivity, (cultural) humility and other key affective competencies. It also highlights, however, the significant diversity of perspectives, lack of consensus, and ongoing disconnect between principles and practice.

Key messages
• Greater clarity and consensus is needed around the specific competencies required to work as a researcher in global health, taking account of diversity across disciplines, sectors and stages.
• Global health researchers require skills to critically analyse geopolitical, colonial and structural drivers, as well as self-reflexivity, (cultural) humility and other key affective competencies.
Barriers to a sustainable living in Italy: results of a national survey
Authors: Favero B , Miotto E , Smaniotto C , Furmenti M F , Palandri L , Voglino G , Cannone S , Adamo G , Parpinel M , Brunelli L 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Sustainable living plays a crucial role in creating a fairer society, but various constraints prevent consumers from adopting sustainable behaviours. This study investigated the reasons for non-adoption of sustainable products or behaviours among the Italian population.

Methods
From January to June 2023, we surveyed the Italian population using a 40-question online survey that asked about knowledge, awareness, and attitudes toward sustainable behaviours and products. Participants were asked about the reasons why they did not engage in a certain behaviour or did not use a selected product. Descriptive statistics, t-test and chi-square tests were performed to assess association with participant characteristics.

Results
The 420 participants had a median age of 39 years (interquartile range: 32-56), 66% were female. The largest discrepancy between knowledge of sustainability impacts and implementation was in the personal care (92% knowledge, 31% implementation) and transportation (85% knowledge, 48% implementation) domains. In general, the main reasons for not using the surveyed products were practical complications in everyday life (25%), the difficulty of finding or producing them (23%) and their cost (13%). Specifically, practical complications (42%) were the main reason for not adopting sustainable behaviours in the transport domain. In the personal care domain, low confidence in product quality or ignorance of their existence accounted for only 26% of reasons for non-use, while supply problems, practical complications in everyday life and existence unawareness accounted for 61%.

Conclusions
Targeted measures are needed to address the reasons for non-use or adoption of sustainable products and behaviours. In this way, these actions will help to promote healthy living, protect our planet, support socio-economic development, and ensure global prosperity.

Key messages
• A greater sustainability- implementation awareness gap was found in personal care and transportation domains.
• The main reasons for not implementing sustainable living were practical complications in daily life, supply difficulties and product cost.
Food insecurity is associated with poor mental health and health risk behaviors in Czechia
Authors: Ohno M , Dzúrová D 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Food insecurity (FI) is one of social determinants of health and a profound public health concern because it leads to malnutrition and hence poor health. COVID-19 impacted people disproportionately and exacerbated preexisting social and health inequalities. The aim of this study was to understand how socioeconomic and health conditions affected one’s FI in Czechia during the pandemic using a representative panel of Czech adults from a longitudinal survey, Life During the Pandemic collected in October 2022 as part of a Czech longitudinal survey.

Methods
A study sample of 1,499 respondents was included in our multiple logistic regression models. Depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms were assessed using validated questionnaires PHQ-2 and DAG-2.

Results
Approximately one third of the study sample (32.4%) reported being food insecure. In the fully-adjusted model, adults with depressive symptoms (OR 2.37, CI 1.49, 5.02), problems with sleeping (OR 2.20, CI 1.64, 2.96), smoking habit (OR 2.27, CI 1.68, 3.07), lower fruit and vegetable consumption (OR 1.50, CI 1.04, 2.17) had greater odds of experiencing FI. The lowest income group was associated with 6.2 times greater odds of reporting FI as compared to the high-income group (CI 3.96, 9.67). Lower education attainment also had higher odds of experiencing FI (OR 2.15, CI 1.40, 3.31). Anxiety was not a significant predictor for FI.

Conclusions
Our study highlights that food insecurity is associated with depressive symptoms, poor quality of sleep and lower consumption of fruit and vegetables among adults. Food insecurity was also evident among lower income and lower education attainment.

Funding source
This study was supported by The Charles University Grant Agency (GA UK).

Key messages
• Our study suggests that adults with poor mental health and diet quality experience food insecurity.
• Given the established link between a balanced diet and mental well-being, interventions should encompass not only food security but also the quality of dietary intake.
3.A. Round table: Towards a research agenda for burden of disease studies
Authors:   Organised by: EUPHA-ECO, European Burden of Disease Network, OECDChair persons: Vanessa Gorasso (EUPHA-ECO), João Vasco Santos (EUPHA-ECO)
Published: October 2024

Abstract

What are the most relevant diseases in a country? Which risk factors are the strongest contributors to disease and death? How is the impact of different diseases evolving over time, and how does it compare between countries and within subnational units? As the need for prioritising the use of available resources constantly increases, a timely, sound and comprehensive answer to these fundamental questions is more than ever needed to inform public health decision-making. Driven by the impact of the Global Burden of Disease study, several researchers and national and international health institutes have adopted the burden of disease approach to address these questions. The complexity of the burden of disease approach however resulted in major disparities in research capacity across Europe. Furthermore, the current burden of disease landscape remains scattered, and researchers struggle to translate their findings to decision makers. The European Burden of Disease Network (COST Action CA18218) addresses these challenges by acting as a technical platform for integrating and strengthening capacity in burden of disease assessment across Europe and beyond. The different activities of the Network have helped to improve the quality and comparability of burden of disease estimates and increase their use in policy and practice. However, still many challenges remain. As a way of looking into the future applications of the burden of disease metrics, the European Burden of Disease Network took the initiative of developing a research agenda based on barriers and weaknesses identified within the activities of the network and input from researchers working regularly with burden of disease. As an initial step, a series of systematic literature review was carried to identify barriers and weaknesses in the computation of burden of disease estimates. These highlighted the differences in methodological choices that could hamper the comparability of results. This point was later identified as a key element of future development (abstract one). Secondly, the members of the network were consulted. Online questionnaires and structured consultations led to the identification of four main pillars of the future research agenda: transparency and availability, refining current methods, new applications, and prioritization of topics.
In this workshop, we will present different activities within and outside the Network that correspond to the four pillars above described (abstract 2-4) and start the reflection on the future of burden of disease estimated.

Key messages
• Despite the wide use of the burden of disease approach, many challenges were identified in the replication of the methods and the need for further developments.
• A new research agenda for burden of disease estimates will formalize a way to strengthen methodologies, interpretations and applications.
Implementing patient navigation for cancer prevention among individuals with mentally ill-health
Authors: Bempi V , Radaios V , Karnaki P , Zota D , Gómez Trenado R , Kostyla M , Mancebo Salas N , Zioga I , Schäfer K , Grabovac I 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Issue
In Europe, over 80 million people experience mental ill-health and there are 4 million new cancer diagnoses each year. Individuals experiencing mental ill-health exhibit higher rates of cancer morbidity and mortality, with this excess attributed to risky health behaviors and obstacles encountered when accessing often fragmented healthcare systems.

Description of the problem
The aim of Co-CAPTAIN is the pilot implementation and evaluation of the Patient Navigation Model (PNM) for the improvement of primary cancer prevention in individuals with mental ill-health, adapted through participatory co-design in the European context. The project will adopt a cohort-based study design, commencing data collection at baseline and succeeded by three follow-ups (6 weeks, 9 months, 18 months). It will utilize a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methodologies to assess diverse outcomes of PNM, facilitating both exploratory and confirmatory research. Qualitative data will be obtained through semi-structured interviews, while quantitative data will be collected using validated questionnaires and items developed ad hoc. The project will involve four pilot sites in Europe (Austria, Greece, Poland and Spain), where the PNM will be adapted to the specificities of national healthcare and support systems. The implementation phase is expected to begin in June 2024.

Results
During implementation, gathering both quantitative and qualitative data will offer valuable insights into feasibility and effectiveness, establishing a baseline for reshaping health and social care policies for individuals with mental ill-health across Europe.

Lessons
Co-CAPTAIN project aims to reduce health disparities for individuals with mental ill-health by improving overall health and reducing cancer burdens, leading to cost reductions in European health and social care systems.

Key messages
• The project aims to deliver an innovative solution based on the PNM, to address health disparities among individuals with mental ill-health by reducing cancer burden.
• Combination of qualitative and quantitative methodologies to assess diverse outcomes.