bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vaccine-preventable diseases in migrants to Europe: a systematic review
Authors: Morais B , Halliday R , Deal A , Bouaddi O , Carter J , Knights F , Hayward S E , Hargreaves S 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Migrant populations in Europe are at increased risk of under-immunisation and therefore likely to be at high risk of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPD), yet the relationship between migration and VPD incidence is not fully understood. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of VPDs in migrant populations in Europe and to define at-risk groups. Following PRISMA guidelines, Embase, MEDLINE and Global Health were searched for peer-reviewed papers published from 1st January 2010. Inclusion criteria comprised primary research on VPD cases (measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus) among migrants to/within EU/EEA and Switzerland. We defined migrants as foreign-born nationals. Forty-seven eligible studies from 15 EU/EEA countries and Switzerland were included, with a total of 1357 migrant VPD cases reported. Analysis revealed 1357 migrant cases across measles (28 publications; 926 cases), pertussis (9; 267 cases), mumps (9; 107 cases), diphtheria (11; 67 cases), rubella (2; 6 cases imported from Romania and Pakistan), tetanus (2; 2 cases). Over-representation of measles cases was observed among migrant children and adolescents, predominantly from the WHO Europe region (particularly Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia). Migrants of East African origin were over-represented among diphtheria cases. This study underscores the association between migration and VPD cases in EU/EEA and Switzerland, establishing a clear association between European migrant children and adolescents in measles outbreaks, and adult migrants from East Africa in diphtheria cases. This study suggests strengthening systems for targeted catch-up vaccination for migrants is imperative upon arrival in European countries to align them with national schedules, alongside the need to improve data collection and surveillance systems to inform effective public health interventions.

Key messages
• Migrant populations in Europe face heightened risk of vaccine-preventable diseases and need to be better incorporated into catch-up vaccination initiatives on arrival.
• Improved data collection and surveillance systems are crucial for informing effective public health interventions targeting migrant populations.
Inequalities in Primary Care Provision in Gwangju Metropolitan City, South Korea
Authors: Choi Y , Kweon S , Baek M 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Primary care clinics play a crucial role in community health promotion by facilitating early disease detection and management. The number of these clinics in Gwangju Metropolitan City increased from 931 in 2000 to 2,400 in 2022, but this growth was not evenly distributed within the city. This study aims to examine the spatial inequalities in the distribution of clinics in Gwangju Metropolitan City.

Methods
This study utilized local administrative licensing data on medical institutions classified as clinics. To estimate healthcare resource imbalances, Lorenz curves and Gini indices for the number of clinics per 100,000 individuals and per square kilometer were calculated by district.

Results
The number of primary care clinics per 1,000 individuals or per square kilometer was highest in Dong-gu and Seo-gu, while Gwangsan-gu had relatively fewer facilities. In particular, Buk-gu, Seo-gu, and Nam-gu had more than 40% of areas with a high number of healthcare facilities relative to population or area, whereas less than 50% of Gwangsan-gu fell into the lower tier in these categories. The Gini index, used to measure the geographical inequality of healthcare facility distribution, showed a slight improvement from 2000 to 2023. However, Seo-gu and Buk-gu exhibited different trends compared to other districts.

Conclusions
Geographical disparities in the distribution of primary care clinics in Gwangju Metropolitan City have slightly improved since 2000, but show different patterns by district. Addressing healthcare imbalances is essential for enhancing health equity, requiring multifaceted efforts to mitigate disparities and improve medical service accessibility in underserved areas.

Key messages
• Significant disparities exist in the distribution of primary care clinics across Gwangju, with higher densities in Dong-gu and Seo-gu, and fewer facilities in Gwangsan-gu.
• The Gini index for clinic distribution has improved since 2000, but disparities remain, particularly in Seo-gu and Buk-gu. Continued efforts are essential to reduce healthcare inequalities further.
Work- & family-related stress & the risk of hazardous alcohol use: role of sex and social support
Authors: Amin R , Goppers J S , Möller J , Engström K , Sidorchuk A , Mittendorfer-Rutz E , Gémes K 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
There is a lack of longitudinal studies investigating the effect of individual stress factors on alcohol use behaviour, and how sex and social support may mitigate the effect of these stressors. We aimed to determine the association of work- and family-related stressors with developing hazardous alcohol use over time among habitual drinkers, and to examine the role of sex and social support in these associations.

Methods
A sample of 4,046 individuals, working and living in Stockholm, age 25-55 years, habitual drinkers, who answered the PART study (Swedish acronym for Mental Health, Work and Social Relations) questionnaire regarding work- and family-related stress (exposures) in 1998-2000 (wave1) and 2001-2003 (wave2) were followed until 2010 (wave3) regarding hazardous alcohol use (outcome) measured using Alcohol-Use-Disorder-Identification-Test (AUDIT) score ( &gt; =8 in men, &gt; =7 in women). Weights for selective attrition were calculated, and crude and multivariate (adjusting for sociodemographic, health- and previous stress-related factors) logistic regression models, yielding Odds Ratios (OR) with 95% Confidence Intervals (CI), were used to estimate the exposure-outcome associations. Analyses were stratified for sex and social support in general and at work.

Results
Job strain (a combination of high demand and low control) was not statistically significantly associated with hazardous alcohol use (OR, CI: 1.3, 0.9-1.9). Among those reporting any family-related stress, a significantly higher risk was observed (OR, CI: 1.5, 1.1-2.1), particularly among women (OR, CI: 1.7, 1.02-2.7) and those with low social support (OR, CI: 2.1, 1.2-3.6). These associations became non-significant after adjusting for previous family-related stress.

Conclusions
Public health measures aiming to prevent transitions from habitual to hazardous alcohol use should give special attention to individuals with family-related stress, especially among women and those with low social support.

Key messages
• While job stress was not significantly associated, those experiencing family-related stress had a higher risk of hazardous alcohol use, especially among women and those without social support.
• Individuals experiencing family-related stress, particularly women and those lacking social support, require special attention in public health prevention strategies for risky alcohol consumption.
Gender and Education Differences in Mental Health in Belgium: a Bayesian Age-Period-Cohort Analysis
Authors: Smith P , De Pauw R , Spruyt B , Van Droogenbroeck F , Van Den Borre L 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Mental illnesses (MI) constitute a growing public health problem, with reports of a higher prevalence among middle-aged adults (age effect), during specific periods such as economic crisis (period effect) and in recent birth cohorts (cohort effect). However, few studies have assessed whether these age-period-cohort (APC) effects were related to general population trends or if they are driven by changes in the mental health status of more vulnerable groups. Therefore, this study aimed to assess gender and educational differences underlying observed APC effects in the prevalence of MI in the Belgian adult population.

Methods
This study used data from six cross-sectional waves of the Belgian Health Interview Survey (1997-2018, ∼ 10,000 respondents per wave). Mental health was assessed using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire. Bayesian hierarchical APC models were applied on the prevalence of MI, taking into account gender and educational differences, as well as some potential confounding factors.

Results
Overall, this study confirmed the higher prevalence of MI in middle-aged adult, in 2013, and in more recent birth cohorts (1980-2000). Accounting for the interaction between gender and education, we found that the MI educational gradient was more pronounced for women than men. Finally, we found that APC trends were different between gender. The odds of having MI tended to be stable across age groups for women, while men showed an increased odds between 50-60 years and a decrease between 60-65 years. Regarding period and cohort effects, the increase odds in 2013 was mainly present in men, while the increase in recent birth cohorts was mainly present in women.

Conclusions
This study emphasizes that the age-period-cohort effects on mental health are different depending on gender and education, thus enriching our understanding on the underlying mechanisms to better guide future public (mental) health policies.

Key messages
• This study shows the importance of studying not only the overall trends in mental illness, but also the underlying differences in its distribution.
• Insights into gender and educational differences in Age-Period-Cohort effects on mental health is crucial for the development of timely and efficient public health interventions.
Long-term mental health impairments in survivors of critical illness
Authors: Egger M , Finsterhölzl M , Wippenbeck F , Müller F , Huge V , Jahn K , Bergmann J 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Survivors of critical illness frequently suffer from long-term disabilities, including physical, cognitive, and mental impairments (post-intensive care syndrome). However, long-term studies are scarce and healthcare services for critical illness survivors are limited, not only in Germany. Therefore, we followed-up on anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during post-intensive care unit (ICU) rehabilitation and up to 1 year after critical illness onset.

Methods
Patients at Schoen Clinic Bad Aibling in Germany were eligible for this prospective cohort study after receiving ≥5 days of mechanical ventilation. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS; subcategory score ≥8) was conducted after ICU discharge (V1), at discharge from inpatient rehabilitation (V2) and 1 year after critical illness onset (V3). The Impact of Event Scale-6 (score ≥1.75) was conducted to assess PTSD at V3. Multiple logistic regressions were performed.

Results
We included 250 patients (62±14 years, 34% female, median stay on ICU 55 days, median duration of rehabilitation 65 days). 10% died before V3. Anxiety decreased during rehabilitation (effect size r = 0.35, p&lt;.001), but increased again until V3 (r = 0.42, p&lt;.001). At V3, 54% suffered from anxiety. Depression also decreased during rehabilitation (r = 0.46, p&lt;.001), and increased again until V3 (r = 0.39, p&lt;.001). At V3, 44% showed depressive symptoms and 38% suffered from PTSD. COVID-19 diagnosis was associated with increased anxiety (p&lt;.001), depression (p=.068), and PTSD at V3 (p=.028), compared to non-COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, longer duration of mechanical ventilation was associated with increased anxiety (p=.041) and depression (p=.019) at V3.

Conclusions
Mental health impairments frequently occur in critical illness survivors, and they seem to worsen after rehabilitation. As these impairments can significantly impact daily functioning and quality of life, tailored healthcare services are urgently needed.

Key messages
• Anxiety, depression, and PTSD are frequent in critical illness survivors, even 1 year after critical disease onset. This calls for tailored healthcare services.
• Patients with COVID-19 and longer mechanical ventilation suffer from more severe mental health impairments.
Buildings as reflectors of societal values: what features of psychiatric wards reveal about stigma
Authors: Chrysikou E 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Built Environment (BE) features bearing domestic attributes align with the concept of psychosocial re-integration. To understand the level of de-institutionalisation in relation to mental health infrastructure, a series of 29 case studies occurred in four countries from 2000 onwards. We collected data from Europe, the UK, New Zealand and more recently in the US: England (n = 15), France (n = 5), New Zealand (n = 4) and the US (n = 5). This included five acute wards in England and five in France in 2000-2004, two further acute wards in England in 2015-2017, four facilities in New Zealand in 2017-2020 (catering also for the Māori population), six further wards (older adult rehab, older adult dementia, acute, rehab, PICU, older adults) and two forensic wards in England and five wards in the US in three different hospitals (one mental health and four mental health wards in general hospital: two adult and two adolescent) in 2023-2024. An architectural checklist was developed to evaluate the traits of the exterior and interior and measure the degree of institutionalisation vs homelikeness for mental health buildings. Cross-country comparison revealed recent case studies to be closer to the institutional end with increased anti-ligature features. Most NZ and the US samples were the most institutional ones. The checklist revealed that acuity was potentially not a determinant of institutional versus domestic buildings. Data shown that very few features were universally present, questioning what is the absolute minimum in relation to the illness rather than the policies. The US sample provides further food for thought, especially in relation to the location of psychiatric wards inside general hospitals and the reasons that lead to this. Finally, by looking at the BE for mental health, we uncover issues regarding the service provision and institutional prejudices connected to stigma. This questions the adequacy of de-institutionalisation policies in certain contexts.

Key messages
• The study of the architecture of healthcare facilities can depict aspects related to the health service provision and raise questions about the effectiveness of rehabilitation strategies.
• The architecture of psychiatric wards questions the success of some de-institutionalisation decision-making in a cross-country comparison.
Measuring social environment factors of depressed inpatients: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Schoenweger P , Eder J , Pfeiffer L , Falkai P , Kirschneck M , Brunoni A , Gensichen J , Ditzen-Janotta C , Simon M S , Jung-Sievers C 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The course and management of mental illness are both influenced by social contextual factors. Standardised questionnaires are required to monitor inpatients’ social environment and to design interventions. This study aims to describe the social environment of inpatients with depression using standardised instruments, and to analyse the instrument’s applicability. This cross-sectional study included depressed adult inpatients admitted to a German psychiatric hospital. We used three standardised questionnaires to evaluate social risk factors: the Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS), the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) and the Social Cohesion and Trust Scale (SCTS). The appropriateness of the questionnaires was assessed with a context-specific quality appraisal. Our study included 196 patients with depression having a mean age of 38.8 (SD = 13.7) years of whom 50% were female. A total of 164 (85%) of patients reported a family history of mental health problems, and 31 (38.8%) had experienced discrimination. Analyses of the LSNS and WHODAS showed that the prevalence of social isolation and disability was significantly higher among inpatients compared to the general population. The WHODAS scores were highest in patients aged 18-30, while social isolation was elevated but stable among different age groups (range 18.7- 19.4%). Both, the WHODAS and LSNS showed good clinical applicability, comparability, and test properties. A lack of validation in a young population of the LSNS was considered a weakness. The SCTS showed imperfections in its applicability and comparability. Depressed inpatients have a limited social network compared to the general population. We emphasise the importance of assessing the applicability of questionnaires representing social environment as the basis for developing interventions. We recommend systematic monitoring of social characteristics to identify potential targets of intervention and thereby facilitate the management of depression.

Key messages
• Hospitalised patients with depression have a decreased social functioning and a smaller social network compared to the general population.
• Standardised social environment questionnaires should be consented and used to plan and enrich depression management.
Association between mental and physical health with poly-substance use among adults in 33 U.S. states
Authors: Phillips M , Thompson M , Massey J , Phillips K 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Leveraging national data from 33 states in the U.S. for adults 18 and over (N = 347,060), from the 2020-2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), we investigated the association between current self-reported physical and mental health outcomes and substance use, focusing on alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, and all combinations of poly-substance use. Specifically, we conducted multiple weighted linear regression analyses using self-reported outcomes for poor mental and physical health in the last 30 days to examine seven mutually exclusive combinations: alcohol (A) only, nicotine (N) only, cannabis (C) only, A+N, A+C, N+C, and A+N+C. We adjusted for race, sex, age group, education level, and marital status in our analyses. For poor mental health, mean number of days ranged from 3.49 (SD = 7.07) for A-only to 10.39 (SD = 11.54) for N+C and for poor physical health, means ranged from 2.38 (SD = 6.24) to 7.17 (10.61) for N+C. All adjusted β coefficients were significant for poor mental health days, notably with the three highest being 4.36 (95%CI: 3.72-5.00) for C-only, 5.68 (95%CI: 5.06-6.30) for N+C, and 5.27 (95%CI: 4.76-5.79) for A+N+C. For poor physical health, all adjusted β coefficients were significant except for A+N, with the two highest being 2.88 (95%CI: 2.31-3.45) for C-only, 3.16 (95%CI: 2.62-3.69) for N+C, and 1.83 (95%CI: 1.54-2.11) for N-only. Recent poly-substance use containing nicotine and cannabis was both associated with 5+ days of poorer mental health and 3+ days of poorer physical health. Overall, our findings hold implications for informing future policy discourse, shaping public health campaigns, and designing educational initiatives aimed at the link between mental health and substance use. Understanding the dynamics of poly-substance use involving the three most commonly utilized substances globally among adults is critical for crafting targeted interventions.

Key messages
• Recent poly-substance use (alcohol, nicotine, and cannabis) is related to poorer mental and physical health in the past 30-days.
• Recent nicotine and cannabis co-use is associated with 5+ days of self-reported poorer mental health and 3+ days of physical health.
Introduction of wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in Ukraine
Authors: Rodyna R , Ponomarenko D , Shcherbak-Verlan B , Venczel L , Shields L , Bogdanov A , Gamazina K , Dravniece G 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Since the Russian invasion, Ukraine has faced humanitarian crises and challenges in diseases surveillance. The primary healthcare (PHC) system struggled with growing numbers of internally displaced and wounded people. In October 2022, the PATH-led, USAID-funded Support TB Control Efforts in Ukraine (STBCEU) project, supported implementation of wastewater surveillance (WWS) for SARS-CoV-2 in four oblasts on request of the Ministry of Health (MoH), expanding to 18 oblasts by October 2023. Samples were collected from 64 sites twice per week and tested for SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A/B using BioExtract® Premium Mag test kits in regional laboratories. From October 2022 to April 2024, 4,784 samples were collected at municipal aqueducts, with SARS-CoV-2 delta and omicron variants detected across all regions. WWS sample results were compared with routine surveillance to assess trends in concentrations and reported cases among population. Gradual decrease in SARS-CoV-2 concentration to zero by May 29, 2023, coincided with a decrease in morbidity. In the last week of August 2023, the concentration of the SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater began its gradual increase with the beginning of new cases registration among the population within 2 weeks, by mid-September. From October 2023, SARS-CoV-2 dominated in 96.6% of positive WWS testing results; in other specimens, influenza and respiratory viruses have been identified. The implementation of WWS in Ukraine highlighted its effectiveness as a public health tool in settings where traditional surveillance methods are disrupted, providing timely data on the viral pathogens for outbreaks prediction and responses, underscoring its role in preventive health measures. The MOH of Ukraine recommended extending the method nationwide for routine surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens, enhancing Ukraine’s capacity to manage public health threats and strengthen the resilience of its health system against future crises.

Key messages
• WWS in Ukraine underscores its effectiveness as a public health tool, providing timely data on viral pathogens for outbreak prediction and response in disrupted settings.
• Notable decline in SARS-CoV-2 concentration in wastewater correlates with reduced morbidity, highlighting WWS’s predictive value.
Food additive preservatives and antioxidants and risk of type 2 diabetes - NutriNet-Santé cohort
Authors: Hasenböhler A , Javaux G , Payen de la Garanderie M , Szabo de Edelenyi F , Agaësse C , De Sa A , Deschasaux-Tanguy M , Fezeu L , Srour B , Touvier M 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Experimental studies suggested potential detrimental effects of some food additive preservatives and antioxidants (PA) on metabolic health, but epidemiological data is lacking. This study aimed to investigate for the first time the associations between exposures to a wide range of PA and type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk in a large population-based cohort.

Methods
Participants (n = 108,723, 79.2% women, mean age=42.5y, SD = 14.6) from the French NutriNet-Santé prospective cohort (2009-2023) completed repeated 24h-dietary records including specific brands of industrial products. PA exposure was assessed using composition databases and laboratory assays. We characterised associations between time-dependent exposures to PA and risk of T2D using multivariable Cox models adjusted for known confounders.

Results
1131 T2D cases were identified during follow-up. Exposures to the following PA were associated with a higher risk of T2D: potassium sorbate E202 (HR per a 25 mg/d increment=1.12, 1.08-1.17, p &lt; 0.001), sodium nitrite E250 (HR 0.25 mg/d = 1.06, 1.00-1.12, p = 0.04), calcium propionate E282 (HR 25 mg/d =1.07, 1.02-1.12, p = 0.008), lecithins E322 (HR 100 mg/d =1.02, 1.01-1.04, p = 0.008), citric acid E330 (HR 500 mg/d=1.08, 1.04-1.12, p &lt; 0.001), and phosphoric acid E338 (HR 50 mg/d=1.11, 1.05-1.18, p &lt; 0.001).

Conclusions
This large prospective cohort revealed positive associations between T2D risk and exposures to several PA widely used in industrial foods.

Key messages
• This large prospective cohort revealed positive associations between T2D risk and exposures to several PA widely used in industrial foods.
• If these results are confirmed, regulations governing PA’s use by the food industry could be re-evaluated for better short- and long-term consumer protection.