bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pertussis on the territory of Serbia in 2024 - challenges and opportunities for the future
Authors: Jovanovic V , Grego E , Pavlovic L J , Jovanovic S , Gospodinovic H , Ivanovic J , Ivanovic M , Veljkovic M , Cabrilo M 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Surveillance of pertussis in Serbia is passive surveillance and every 3 to 4 years an increased number of positive cases are registered in the population. The last quarter of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024 are characterized by an increased number of pertussis cases.

Methods
Descriptive study of cases with confirmed pertussis in the territory of the Republic of Serbia based on the evidence by the Public Health Service System of the Institute of Public Health of Serbia

Results
According to data from the Public Health Service System in the Republic of Serbia, a total of 1348 confirmed cases of pertussis were registered by the end of April 2024 (incidence rate 20.2 per 100,000 inhabitants).

Conclusions
The largest number of cases was registered in the age groups of people older than 20 years, that is, aged 10 to 14 years, while the highest age-specific incidence rate was recorded in the age group of infants younger than 12 months and in children aged 10 to 14 years. Of the total number of reported cases, 120 (8.9%) were hospitalized, with the largest number of those hospitalized being in the age group younger than 12 months (85, ie 70.8% of hospitalized cases). As for the territorial distribution, the largest number of pertussis cases in relation to the place of residence was reported from the territory of two districts, Južnobački District and the City of Belgrade, where the highest incidence rates were also registered. The postponement of timely vaccination against pertussis and the impossibility of vaccinating newborns up to 2 months of age have influenced the increase in the number of infected persons. Also, advanced PCR diagnostics during Covid and the possibility of applying PCR diagnostics in pertussis helped the timely diagnosis of pertussis. The introduction of vaccination with another dose of acellular pertussis vaccine and vaccination of pregnant women would be a desirable public health intervention to prevent pertussis infection.

Key messages
• Protection of the target population before starting school and at the age of 14 will contribute to stopping the occurrence of new cases of pertussis. These are public health challenges.
• PCR diagnosis of pertussis influenced the timely diagnosis of this infection and the possibility of its adequate and timely treatment.
Factors associated with over-the-counter drug misuse among young people: a narrative review
Authors: Tushar M I , Kersbergen I 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are sold directly to customers without requiring a doctor’s prescription. Misuse of OTC drugs is higher in adolescents and young adults than in the general population. This review is the first to narratively synthesize the factors associated with OTC drug misuse among adolescents and young adults (14-25 years old).

Aim
To identify the factors that are associated with OTC drug misuse among adolescents and young adults (14-25 years).

Methods
A comprehensive search of three electronic databases, including MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Web of Science, was conducted to retrieve publications between 1 January 1997 and 31 July 2023. The AXIS tool was used to aid critical appraisal. Papers were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results
Eight studies were eligible for inclusion in this narrative review We identified four key themes: motivational factors; health literacy; illicit drug use and socioeconomic status. Sensation-seeking and using OTC drugs for recreational purposes were associated with OTC misuse. Limited health literacy and lack of understanding of OTC drugs were significant factors for misusing OTC drugs. Greater use of OTC drugs at the same time as alcohol and other illicit drugs represented that they were at increased risk for misusing OTC drugs. Finally, adolescents and young adults with low income, from rural areas and with lower educational attainment were most likely to misuse OTC drugs.

Conclusions
Although over-the-counter medications (OTCs) encourage self-medication, their rising misuse has led to a public health problem to which nations worldwide are responding. Therefore, education and awareness among OTC drug users policy will be helpful further on strategies to prevent the misuse of OTC drugs.

Key messages
• This review identifies some of the factors for misusing OTC drugs, and education and awareness among OTC drug users policy may be helpful further in strategies to prevent the misuse of OTC drugs.
• This review also identifies that changing the user habits and availability of OTC drugs policy may also be helpful in further strategies to prevent the misuse of OTC drugs.
Health literacy and access to health services: insights from a national survey in Italy
Authors: Marcozzi B , Unim B , Rosano A , Lorini C , Bonaccorsi G , Donfrancesco C , Zanobini P , Lo Noce C , Galeone D , Palmieri L 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Health Literacy (HL) entails accessing, understanding, evaluating, and applying healthcare (HC) information. Aim of this study is to assess HL association with HC services use in the Italian adult population.

Methods
A national survey was conducted in Italy in 2021, in the framework of the WHO network Measuring Population and Organizational Health Literacy (M-POHL). A validated questionnaire was administered to a representative sample of the Italian resident population aged 18+ years (N = 3,500). A 4-point Likert scale was used for answers: very easy, easy, difficult, very difficult. The HL index, as the percentage of very easy/easy responses, was categorized as Inadequate (0-50%), Problematic (51-66%), Sufficient (67-80%), Excellent (81-100%). Inadequate/Problematic were combined in ‘Limiting’ and Sufficient/Excellent in ‘Not limiting’ categories. A multivariate logistic regression analysis, adjusted by sex, age, geographical area, education, and financial deprivation, was used to explore the associations between HL and the frequency, of utilization of general practitioners-GPs (never, once/twice, three/more times), medical or surgical specialist services-MSS (never, once, twice/more), inpatient hospital services-IHS (never, once/more), day-patient hospital services-DPS (never, once/more), taking sick days at work-SD (never, once/twice, three/more) in the last 12 months, and emergency services-ES (never, once/more) in the last 24 months.

Results
In Limiting HL (64.6%), the prevalence of never using ES is significantly lower compared to Not limiting HL (81.83% vs 83.80%); likewise for never using MSS (45.84% vs 51.24%) and never using DPS (90.87% vs 93.80%). Significant association with Limiting HL was found for using MSS once (Odds Ratio-OR=1.55), twice/more (OR = 1.76) and taking SD once/twice (OR = 1.58).

Conclusions
Results demonstrate that people using HC services more frequently, in particular MSS and taking SD, require dedicated support to improve HL.

Key messages
• This study aims to evaluate the association of the individual Health literacy level with the use of several healthcare services in the Italian adult population.
• ‘Limiting’ Health Literacy is associated with using medical or surgical specialist services twice or more times and taking sick days at work once or twice.
3.M. Skills building seminar: Culture, Arts and Mental Health
Authors:   Organised by: EUPHA-PMH, -ENV,   Chair persons: Marija Jevtic (EUPHA-ENV), Jutta Lindert (EUPHA-PMH)
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Improving mental health is a challenge, not only for the health sector, so research into innovative ways to improve mental health in the community is necessary. The WHO Regional Office for Europe together with its expert group on the cultural contexts of health and well-being promote a culturally grounded approach to enrich policies related to health and well-being. The cultural contexts of health and well-being argues that incorporating cultural issues into policy-making is critical to the development of adaptive, equitable and sustainable health care systems, and to making general improvements in many areas of population health and well-being. Population health and well-being are influenced by actions external to health care systems, also. By health-in-all-policies approach it is given an understanding of how policies in non-health domains can foster or constrain a culture and art for health. Social prescribing and art-for -health activities are important tool for improvenment mental health. This skils building seminar will discuss some good practice and examples, and also cooperation with experts from cultural sector in the mental health field.

Key messages
• The innovative concept of cooperation between Culture and Health institutions brought positive experiences and impressions to all participants who used ‘culture on prescription’.
• The integration of arts into healthcare and community settings offers a holistic approach to promoting health and fostering well-being.
Psychometric evaluation of a COVID-19 health literacy scale applying Rasch analysis
Authors: Meyer M , Dadaczynski K , Messer M , Okan O 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Assessing health literacy in times of the COVID-19 pandemic is vital, since health literacy has been highlighted as a personal resource for managing health information. The HLS-Covid-Q22 questionnaire was developed to measure self-reported COVID-19 health literacy in adults. It has been used and validated, mainly using confirmatory factor analysis, in some studies with different target groups. However, several comprehensive validation studies are needed to ensure the feasibility of a novel measurement tool. In the current study, Rasch analysis has been chosen, as this analysis transforms the categorical responses of the items of the HLS-Covid-Q22 into linear measures.

Methods
The psychometric properties of the HLS-Covid-Q22 were evaluated in a sample of 2187 German adults applying Rasch analysis. The data is from the German COVID-HL school survey that was generated by employing an online survey in school principals during the third infection wave from March to April 2021 in four federal states. Applying the Partial Credit Model for polytomous data, the responses to the HLS-Covid-Q22 items were transformed into linear measures, unidimensionality was tested and several indices to assess the quality of the measurement tool were computed.

Results
Unidimensionality of the questionnaire could be confirmed. The rating scale steps worked as intended. Participants used every rating category. Item fit could be verified. High reliability indices were found with a person separation index of 3.41, person reliability of .92, item separation of 20.08 as well as item reliability of 1.0.

Conclusions
The HLS-Covid-Q22 appeared to be a reliable and valid questionnaire which has not been validated by applying Rasch analysis before. Even though Rasch analysis is already a well-established validation method in other disciplines, it should be used to evaluate other health literacy questionnaires more often to gain comprehensive insights into the intended functioning of measurement tools.

Key messages
• The HLS-Covid-Q22 questionnaire appears to be a valid and reliable measurement tool.
• Rasch analysis is an appropriate method to evaluate the psychometric properties of likert-type rating-scale questionnaires.
The effect of health literacy course on the level of health literacy in medical students
Authors: Topcu V , Ozdemir Oztel H , Ozkan S 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Health literacy (HL) concerns not only individuals but also health systems and health professionals. Most of the literature on HL has focused on patient factors, with little emphasis on the communication skills and practices of health professionals. Training is needed at all levels to understand the concept of HL and its impact on health inequalities. This study is an intervention study. Data were collected from 29 students taking the third year elective course at the Faculty of Medicine through an online survey. The survey consists of 40 questions aimed at assessing the demographic characteristics of the participants, the TSOY-32 Scale and some factors affecting HL. During the training period, role-play scenarios were played to teach the importance of HL, sample videos were watched to evaluate physician-patient communication, and case studies were conducted. The mean pre-test TSOY-32 scale score of the participants was 32.8±5.8. The mean post-test TSOY-32 scale score was 36.4±7.1. There was a significant difference between pretest and posttest groups in terms of TSOY-32 scale score (p = 0.033). Health professionals often overestimate patients’ HL levels and do not have sufficient competence to effectively manage limited HL. These gaps need to be addressed through the curricula of medical schools and specialties.

Key messages
• Training on health literacy improves medical students’ communication skills, bridging gaps in patient care.
• Addressing health literacy in medical training enhances patient-doctor communication, vital for quality care.
Health literacy and health-related outcomes among preschool educators: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Rauschmayr S , Krudewig C , Okan O 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Given the increasing use of childcare services and the shortage of skilled workers, preschool educators are under particular pressure. Health literacy has previously been shown to be an asset for stress and well-being in school principals. Within the organizational health literacy in preschools project, the Health-Literate Preschools Survey aims to assess educators’ health literacy levels and investigate differences in health-related outcomes based on these levels.

Methods
Preschool educators from a Bavarian county participated in a cross-sectional online survey in February 2024. Sociodemographic information, health literacy, and health-related outcomes (well-being, exhaustion, psychosomatic complaints) were assessed using established self-report tools. Descriptive statistics and variance analyses were carried out using SPSS.

Results
The sample consists of N = 114 preschool educators from a Bavarian region (94.6% female, Ø 41.5 years). Of the educators, 23.7% showed adequate, 50.0% problematic, and 26.3% inadequate health literacy levels. Kruskal-Wallis H analyses indicated statistically significant differences in well-being (H(2, n = 113) = 14.200, p &lt; 0.001), exhaustion (H(2, n = 114) = 6.098, p = 0.047), and psychosomatic complaints (H(2, n = 114) = 8.910, p = 0.012) across health literacy levels.

Conclusions
The survey provides first-time insights into preschool educators’ health literacy and health-related outcomes in Germany. Only one-quarter of preschool educators demonstrated adequate health literacy levels. Further, the findings confirm the link between health literacy and well-being and stress already shown for other samples. Health promotion initiatives for preschool staff should focus on strengthening educators’ health literacy, especially given their role model function for children.

Key messages
• This survey is the first assessment of health literacy among preschool educators, which is an important target group given their role model for young children.
• Preschool educators demonstrated overall low levels of health literacy, which is associated with well-being, exhaustion, and psychosomatic complaints.
Food and nutrition literacy in Austria - results of a representative study
Authors: Schuetze D , Griebler R , Link T , Schindler K 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
A healthy diet is a key factor in people’s long-term health. The nutritional health literacy and food literacy of the population play a crucial role in this. In 2021, comprehensive data on these competences were collected for the first time in Austria.

Methods
Almost 3,000 people were surveyed online. Nutrition health literacy was assessed with the newly developed Nutrition Health Literacy Scale (NHLS) and food literacy with the Self-Perceived Food Literacy Scale Short-Form (SPFL-SF). Scores and subscores were calculated. Associations between socio-demographic and socio-economic factors and the competences surveyed were assessed using t-tests, variance analysis, correlations, and multivariate regression models.

Results
In terms of nutritional health literacy, respondents score an average of 60 out of 100 points, with judging (51 points) and applying (60 points) nutritional information being the most difficult. In the area of food literacy, respondents score an average of 62 out of 100 points. The most challenging areas are ‘healthier choices’ (44 points), ‘healthy snacking’ (52 points) and ‘healthy eating in exceptional circumstances’ (54 points). In both areas, men and people with less formal education score lower. In the case of nutritional health literacy, people aged 65 and over have greater difficulties. Conversely, this group performs better in the area of food literacy. Differences by income can only be seen for nutritional health literacy, to the detriment of low-income groups.

Conclusions
Possible options for action include the provision of quality-assured and target-group-specific information, the implementation of appropriate tools to facilitate the assessment of foods, and measures to strengthen assessment skills, digital health literacy, food and nutrition skills.

Key messages
• The survey showed that there is potential for improvement in both nutritional health literacy and food literacy.
• The biggest challenge is to evaluate and use nutritional information and to stick to a healthy diet without making exceptions.
Assessing cancer prevention literacy among European population: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Romeo-Cervera P , Pinto-Carbó M , Blanco-Cabañes A , Torres-Mariner M A , Fons-Martínez J , Vanaclocha-Espí M , Castán-Cameo S , de Pablo-Pardo T , Molina-Barceló A ,   BUMPER Consortium
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Cancer prevention literacy (CPL) is essential for empowering individuals to make health-informed decisions and adopt preventive measures to reduce their cancer risk. This study aims to measure CPL among the European population.

Methods
A cross-sectional population-based study was conducted from February to March 2024 among European residents over 18 years old (N = 2312) in the context of BUMPER Project (https://bumper.cancer.eu/). An online self-administered questionnaire was developed including: sociodemographic characteristics (age, gender, country of residence, educational level), and CPL (general and by European Code Against Cancer -ECAC- topics). A descriptive analysis was performed and the chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis test were calculated to examine the relationship between CPL and sociodemographic variables.

Results
44.2% showed a high level of CPL, followed by 39.5% with medium, and 16.3% with low level. 61.1% of participants are not aware of ECAC. ECAC topics with higher levels of knowledge are: UV exposure (88.3%), pollution (81.6%), tobacco (78.7%), second-hand smoking (60.9%). ECAC topics with lower levels are: hormone replacement therapy (47.9%), breastfeeding (41.6%), and vaccination (32.9%). Statistically significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) are observed in CPL level by gender, country of residence, and educational level. Those with a higher % of low CPL levels are men (22.8%), people from West and South Europe (20.8% and 18.1%), and primary education level (34.7%).

Conclusions
CPL level is medium-high among the European population, with social and gender inequalities. Further studies are needed to delve into these inequalities.

Key messages
• The cancer prevention literacy level is medium-high among the European population, with social and gender inequalities.
• There is a need of tailored interventions to address social inequalities in cancer prevention literacy among European population.
Implementation of organizational health literacy depending on school characteristics in Germany
Authors: Krudewig C , Kirchhoff S , Okan O 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Children and adolescents are important target groups for health promotion measures to sustain a healthy upbringing. Organizational health literacy in schools is a promising environmental intervention to strengthen health literacy in school children. This study examines the relationship between school characteristics and the implementation of organizational health literacy.

Methods
School principals in Germany were invited to complete a 20-minute online survey between November 2022 and July 2023. An 8-item self-report tool was used to measure organizational health literacy in schools (OHLS-Q-SF) that comprehends eight different areas within schools to become health literate. A hierarchical cluster analysis was carried out to identify groups according to the composition of the socioeconomic status of the student body. Descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney-U tests, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed.

Results
598 school principals (73.6% female, Ø 52.3 years old) who worked at primary schools (49.1%), secondary schools (37%), and special education schools (13.9%) completed the survey. Cluster analysis revealed two groups. The first one (36.8%) contains schools with mainly students with lower socioeconomic status, and the second group (63.2%) contains schools with more students from middle or higher socioeconomic status. The socioeconomic status of students within the schools showed no significant results for any area of organizational health literacy, whereas all eight areas are more likely implemented if the schools already participate in a school health promotion program or network (p &lt; 0.001).

Conclusions
Participating in a school health promotion program was associated with higher levels of implementation in all areas of organizational health literacy in schools. This finding highlights the importance of those programs. Integrating organizational health literacy into those interventions can be a beneficial approach to sustaining health literate schools.

Key messages
• Participating in a school health promotion program or network might facilitate schools to become health literate organizations.
• In Germany, the socioeconomic status of the students within the schools is not associated with the implementation of organizational health literacy.