bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring PrEP awareness among addiction service professionals: an Italian cross-sectional study
Authors: Lo Moro G , Rosset L , Varì M G , Scaioli G , Balestra R , Lucchini A , Bert F , Siliquini R 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective HIV prevention strategy. Since 2023, in Italy, PrEP has been subject to reimbursement, making it freely available to individuals who meet specific criteria, including those who engage in substance use during sexual activity (chemsex). In this context, all healthcare professionals (HCPs) in Addiction Departments and Services (ADS) play a crucial role from the intake interview in identifying potential PrEP candidates, providing an essential gateway to services. Thus, this study primarily aimed to explore the knowledge of ADS professionals regarding PrEP.

Methods
In 2024, an ongoing nationwide cross-sectional study has been conducted in Italy, enrolling a convenience sample of HCPs employed in ADS. The online questionnaire comprised items assessing knowledge regarding PrEP, training on PrEP, and experiences related to daily practice. The primary outcome was the awareness of PrEP existence, while secondary outcomes included knowledge regarding reimbursement.

Results
Preliminary analyses were conducted based on 269 questionnaires. Participants had a median age of 52 years (IQR=45-59). Physicians represented 26.0% of the sample, followed by nurses (23.0%). Awareness of PrEP stood at 43.5%, while knowledge of the existence of reimbursement conditions was at 29.9%. A vast majority (93.7%) felt inadequately informed, while 97.0% believed HCPs in ADS should receive training. Physicians demonstrated significantly higher awareness of PrEP existence, whereas there were no significant differences in reimbursement knowledge compared with other HCPs.

Conclusions
Intermediate findings revealed substantial gaps in PrEP awareness and reimbursement knowledge. These results emphasize the critical importance of tailored education and training programs to bridge these gaps and facilitate effective PrEP implementation in diverse healthcare settings, ultimately advancing HIV prevention efforts and promoting equitable access to care.

Key messages
• Substantial knowledge gaps about PrEP among healthcare professionals working in Addiction Departments and Services in Italy were highlighted.
• Effective PrEP implementation hinges on empowering professionals with the necessary expertise to identify and support PrEP candidates, underscoring the critical role of tailored education initiatives.
Pertussis seroprevalence and related factors in 15-49 years old women in Mersin, Turkey
Authors: Uguz B E , Bugdayci R 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Pertussis is an acute, contagious respiratory disease with high mortality and morbidity, especially in early infancy. If the mother is immune to pertussis, infants too young to be vaccinated are protected against pertussis infection after birth by maternal immunity. This study aimed to investigate pertussis seroprevalence and associated factors in women aged 15-49 years.

Methods
The cross-sectional study was conducted on women aged 15-49 years in Mersin city between December 2023 and February 2024. A total of 352 women from family health centres in four central districts of Mersin were included in the study. In this study, anti PT-IgG levels in blood samples were investigated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ELISA method. In the analysis of the data, descriptive statistics, chi-square analysis, and binary logistic regression analysis were used. The results were presented at a 95% confidence interval, at a significance level of p &lt; 0.05.

Results
Anti-PT IgG seropositivity was detected in 150 (%42.6) of the women. In seven (2%) of women, the anti-PT IgG value was greater than 100, indicating an acute infection. Individuals who did not receive or could not recall having received school vaccinations were found to be 2.18 times more likely to be seropositive than those who had received vaccinations at school. Individuals residing in the same household with a healthcare professional were found to be 1.78 times more likely to be seropositive than those who did not.

Conclusions
Half of our region’s newborns lack protection from whooping cough. Maternal immunization with pertussis-containing vaccines is crucial. Many countries have safely used such vaccines for years. Replacing Td with Tdap in Turkey’s pregnancy immunization can better shield mothers and newborns from pertussis.

Key messages
• Maternal immunization is crucial for protecting newborns from pertussis, reducing mortality and morbidity.
• Addressing vaccination disparities is vital to ensure community-wide protection against pertussis, saving lives.
Interventions to prevent Neonatal Healthcare-associated Infection: a systematic review of RCT
Authors: Reale C , Pistollato A , Ceparano M , Migliara G , Marzuillo C , Villari P , Baccolini V 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Healthcare-acquired infections (HAI) in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) specifically refer to infections that occur in newborn infants within the healthcare environment. Preterm infants, often more vulnerable to infections, in the NICU may be exposed to various medical interventions, devices, and environments that can increase the risk of infections. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions proposed to prevent neonatal healthcare-associated infections.

Methods
PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases were searched to identify any RCT study coming from high income countries, published from 2004, that investigated the efficacy of any intervention to prevent HAI in NICU. All type of HAI were considered.

Results
A total of seven studies were included (2 from USA, 5 from UE). Three studies focused on: administration of donor milk; probiotic Bifidobacterium breve; intravenous Staphylococcus aureus immune globulin; all failed to demonstrate any protective action. Of the four remaining studies that investigate different aspect of the vascular catheterization process only two lead a a statistical significant reduction of HAI. Garland et al. demonstrate in 85 neonates how vancomycin-heparin lock solution is capable to reduce catheter related blood stream infection (CRBSI) 8/43 neonates (18.6%) in the control group vs 0/42 in the vancomycin-heparin-lock group (P = 0.006). Bertini et al. demonstrate in 86 preterm infants how utilization of AgION catheter in Umbelical vein catheterization (UVC) lead to CRBSI rate reduction (2 vs. 22%; p = 0.005), shorter hospital stay (p = 0.04), lower case fatality rate due to Blood stream infection (p = 0.01).

Conclusions
Among the proposed methodology only the one acting on the catheterization process provide a statistical significant reduction of HAI onset. Widespread observation of proposed protocol may results in reduction of HAI in NICU.

Key messages
• Modfiication on the catheterization process provide a statistical significant reduction of HAI onset.
• Knowing these measures assure reduction of HAI.
Evaluation of Covid-19 risk perception and psychological status of transplant patients
Authors: Baran A , Bağcı N , Aslan M , Akbulut S 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Liver transplant patients are in the more at-risk group in terms of COVID-19 infection and mortality due to both immunosuppressive treatment and underlying chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the COVID-19 risk perception, compliance with preventive measures, and psychosocial status of liver transplant patients.

Methods
This descriptive cross-sectional survey study included 311 patients who underwent liver transplantation between 2002 -2021 and presented to the outpatient clinic for routine controls. Data were collected via a questionnaire administered through face-to-face interviews. The questionnaire form used to collect the data of the study included a demographic and clinical characteristics form, the Short Depression-Happiness Scale, the COVID-19 Prevention Guidelines Compliance Scale, and the COVID-19 Risk Perception Scale. The Mann-Whitney U, the Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman’s Rho correlation analysis were used in statistical analyses.

Results
The median age of the transplant patients who participated in the study was 56 (18-76) years. Of the transplant patients, 84.9% stated that they had COVID-19 vaccination. There was a statistically significant, very weak relationship between the scores of the Brief Depression-Happiness Scale and the COVID-19 Compliance with Preventive Measures Scale (r = 0.132; p = 0.02), and a weak, significant relationship in the same direction between the scores of the COVID-19 Compliance with Preventive Measures Scale and the COVID-19 Risk Perception Scale (r = 0.344; p = 0.001).

Conclusions
The vaccination rates of the patients were high. As the depression status of the patients decreases, their compliance with preventive measures increases, and as their compliance with preventive measures increases, their risk perception increases.

Key messages
• Since transplant patients are a vulnerable group, their vaccination status is important in terms of mortality risk.
• Psychological factors such as depression-happiness scores influence adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures among transplant patients.
Methodological framework for early detection of dengue outbreaks in Tanzania
Authors: Belau M , Boenecke J , Ströbele J , Himmel M , Dretvic D , Mustafa U-K , Ahmad A A , Kreppel K S , May J , Becher H 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Dengue fever is a major public health problem because it is a widespread and rapidly transmitted mosquito-borne viral disease. We developed a framework for early detection of dengue outbreaks in Tanzania, starting with detection of suspected and/or confirmed cases, followed by site-specific risk characterization, both useful for planning and prioritizing outbreak interventions or epidemic preparedness.

Methods
Our initial focus was on the identification and categorization of indicators that are specifically tailored to the early detection and classification of outbreak events. The framework was then evaluated using (i) available cases with syndromic and laboratory-confirmed disease information from ProMED emails using decision tree analysis, and (ii) available historical dengue epidemic data at the local level from 2019 with 6,795 confirmed cases using negative binomial regression analysis adjusted for month and area.

Results
The laboratory-confirmed diagnosis (dengue yes or no) was consistent with the results of the suspected case classification algorithm for clinically defined syndromic cases. There was strong evidence of an increase in dengue cases with higher site-specific risk (rate ratio = 2.51 (95% CI = [1.76, 3.58])) when regressing confirmed dengue cases in 2019 as the dependent variable and site-specific risk as the independent variable.

Conclusions
The rapid dengue outbreak risk assessment developed may be useful in controlling the epidemic in Tanzania. The suspected case classification algorithm can be a very useful tool to better assess whether a potential dengue case is present and thus requires laboratory confirmation. The framework can be used to rapidly predict the risk of dengue outbreaks, which is useful for planning and prioritizing interventions or for epidemic preparedness.

Key messages
• Framework for a novel rapid risk assessment for early detection of dengue outbreaks in Tanzania.
• Framework relevant to epidemic preparedness.
Enhancing digital health competencies: insights from european human resources for health
Authors: Maia M R , Paulo M S , Lapão L V 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Mixed-skills for digital health transformation are critical for human resources for health (HRH). This study aimed to inform the design of new training programmes that address soft, hard and digital health skills.

Methods
Using a mixed-methods design science approach, focus groups were conducted by invitation and with informed consent, online or in-person. A script was prepared with key questions for orientation and facilitation, addressing the topics of current situation, desired situation, desired skills, practical and organisational needs to implement continuous training in healthcare. The collected data were analysed using Nvivo.

Results
Focus groups (14) had 87 participants (Norway, Latvia, Belgium, Italy and Portugal): 26 healthcare professionals (nurses, midwives, nutritionists, pharmacists, assistants and doctors); 27 managers or directors of hospitals and care centres; 34 experts (digital health specialists, researchers, technical officers, members of professional societies and national authorities). Real needs were identified, with 2 direct sub-themes that were best related to each other (Pearson coefficient, p &gt; 0.40 - cluster analysis):
1. ‘Current situation’: Cybersecurity (eg. privacy, law and ethics); Time (work time versus private time, p = 0.69); Type (informal versus formal training, p = 0.32); Programmes (graduation, continuing education and post-graduation levels).
2. ‘Desired situation: Desired skills (eg. digital - basic ICT, data analysis, soft - communication, emotional intelligence, and hard skills - medication administration, catheters, ECG, vital signs, telehealth - digital stethoscope); Learning design and objectives (eg. collective learning, simulations, location - peer-to-peer and hybrid); Emergency care and the link between primary and secondary levels of care were considered important.

Conclusions
These findings of convergence among HRH inform Program design process to support the training programs and course syllabus design.

Key messages
• The identified needs and priorities inform Program design further to support Digital Health Transformation training programs and course syllabus design.
• Real needs points to Current and Desired situation, where HRH give important insights that need to be considered to engage people to perform training courses.
Do the prevention procedures work in reducing infections?
Authors: Viti F , Perinti R , Cartocci A , Lazzeri G , Nante N 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) pose significant challenges in healthcare settings. Poor environmental hygiene contributes to HCAI. This study aims to evaluate and to assess the effectiveness of HCAI containment practices in nursing homes (NH).

Methods
The study examined infection prevention procedures in eight NHs supervised by the Multidisciplinary Commission of the Tuscany South-East Local Health Authority of Italy. Infection frequencies were obtained from NHs management and compliance with preventive procedures was assessed by inspection reports. Infection prevention protocols, including cleaning and disinfection procedures, were referenced from ministerial guidelines for hospital and territorial facilities. Comparisons was done whit Mann-Whitney test, using STATA.

Results
In 2023 more frequent infections were SARS-CoV-2 (19.5%), urinary tract infections (17%), pharyngitis (15.7%), influenza-like syndromes (ILI) (15%), and pneumonia (9%). Compared to 2022, significant improvements were observed in legionellosis surveillance, laundry, sanitary procedures, instrument disinfection, and hairdressing services. Non-compliance to specific procedures revealed differences in infectious onset like cleaning process verification with fungal infections (P = 0.01; M = 2,5), gastrointestinal infections (P = 0.04; M = 1.5); cleaning sanitary pans with Clostridium Difficile gastrointestinal infections (P = 0.04; M = 2); instrument disinfection with gastrointestinal infections (P = 0.04; M = 1.5) conjunctivitis (P = 0.01; M = 8); laundry procedures with pneumonia (P = 0.04; M = 18) and ILI (P = 0.04; M = 35).

Conclusions
These findings emphasize the importance of well-defined procedures in reducing HCAIs. While preventive measures demonstrate efficacy, continuous efforts are necessary for their consistent implementation. Continuous monitoring and stakeholder engagement are essential for developing sustainable strategies in preventing healthcare-associated infections.

Key messages
• Healthcare-associated infections are a significant complication in the healthcare sector and require effective practices in nursing homes.
• Prevention measures are effective, but continuous and collaborative effort is needed to ensure their uniform implementation and develop more effective strategies in preventing HCAI.
ESPRIT study, analysis of the results of the pre-intervention survey in upper secondary schools
Authors: Gazzetta S , Brunelli L , Comar M , Suligoi B , Salfa M C , Gianfrilli D , Sesti F , Casuccio A , Ferro P ,   ESPRIT study collaboration group
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Sexually transmitted infections are a major public health problem, and their number is increasing in Italy. However, affective sexuality education is not yet part of the curricula. Therefore, a project entitled ESPRIT was launched, involving 3 regions (Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Lazio and Sicily), the IRCSS ‘Burlo Garofolo’ and the Istituto Superiore di Sanità, and implemented with the technical and financial support of the Ministry of Health - CCM.

Methods
A multicenter prospective intervention study was designed involving public upper secondary school students (grade 10-11). All target groups completed a KAP (knowledge, attitude, practice) questionnaire before and after participation in the educational intervention to measure its effectiveness. The questionnaires from the first phase were collected between January and April 2024, and the results were analyzed using R statistical software.

Results
The analysis of the overall results (463 students in total; female 58%, male 39%, other 2%; FVG 49%, Lazio 25%, Sicily 26%) showed that the group of upper secondary school students, targeted by peer education answered the knowledge part correctly by 56.6±13.8% on average. Applying the Kruskal-Wallis test showed that the percentage was significantly higher for females than males (p-value=0.005) and for licei students compared to technical and vocational schools (p-value=0.000). In terms of to attitudes, only 17% of students talked at length about sexually transmitted infections, and in 86.6% of cases, the interlocutors were friends or peers.

Conclusions
The results of the first phase show differences between the sexes and between the different types of educational institutions. The current level of knowledge still leaves much room for intervention and improvement. Analyzing the results of the follow-up phase will allow us to understand the effectiveness of the peer education intervention.

Key messages
• Adolescents’ knowledge of sexually transmitted infections needs to be improved.
• Gender and the type of school attended affect the level of knowledge.
Estimating the impact of the COVID-19 vaccination programme in Ireland: December 2021-March 2023
Authors: Marron L , Mateo-Urdiales A , O’Donnell J , Robinson E , Domegan L 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
In Autumn 2023, COVID-19 booster vaccines were offered to all those aged ≥50 years in Ireland. There was concern that vaccine fatigue would impact uptake. We aimed to quantify the direct impact of the COVID-19 vaccination programme on averted outcomes in individuals aged ≥50 years, during a period of Omicron variant dominance, to inform vaccination strategy and public health communication.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective observational study from December 2021 to March 2023 in Ireland. We considered as averted outcomes symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 presentations to primary care, emergency department (ED) presentations, hospitalisations, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions and deaths due to COVID-19. We used an adapted formula from other vaccine impact published studies, including national data on notified outcomes, vaccine coverage data and vaccine effectiveness (VE) estimates, sourced from the WHO’s live systematic VE review, to estimate the count and prevented fraction of outcomes in ≥ 50-year-olds averted by the COVID-19 vaccination programme. The number of expected outcomes in the absence of vaccination was calculated by summing the counts of outcomes observed and outcomes averted.

Results
Between December 2021 and March 2023, the COVID-19 vaccination programme averted 48,551 symptomatic presentations to primary care (36% of expected), 9,517 ED presentations (53% of expected), 102,160 hospitalisations (81% of expected), 3,303 ICU admissions (89% of expected) and 15,985 deaths (87% of expected).

Conclusions
During Omicron dominance, the COVID-19 vaccination programme averted symptomatic and severe outcomes, including deaths due to COVID-19, underscoring the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination. In the context of vaccine fatigue emerging as an important public health issue in Ireland and internationally, these findings can inform future COVID-19 booster vaccination programmes and communication about the reason for and importance of COVID-19 vaccination.

Key messages
• The COVID-19 vaccination programme in Ireland prevented illness and death in people aged ≥50-years. Vaccination therefore protected population health and the healthcare system.
• These findings can be used to inform future COVID-19 vaccination policies, planning for winter, pandemic preparedness and communisation about the importance of ongoing COVID-19 vaccination programmes.
Factors associated with mosquito-borne disease protective behaviour in metropolitan France
Authors: Ocampo-Alvarado J , Dussault J , Mueller J 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Mosquito-borne diseases (MBD) are increasing and expanding their range throughout metropolitan France. Promoting individual protective behaviour is imperative, but research on its determinants is limited to southern regions. This study examines factors influencing MBD protective behaviour in the metropolitan French population.

Methods
2,087 subjects responded to a self-administered online questionnaire in November 2023. The analysis plan was pre-registered. We fitted two mixed effects models to estimate the frequency and count of protective behaviours across sociodemographic groups and to identify which factors predict protective behaviour.

Results
Frequency of protective behaviour is significantly positively associated with getting bitten by mosquitoes often (β = 3.39; 95% CI: 3.10, 3.69) and sometimes (β = 1.54; 95% CI: 1.31, 1.76) compared to almost never, perceived MBD threat (β = 0.11; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.15), and having financial difficulties (β = 0.23; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.43). Count of protective behaviours is associated with getting bitten by mosquitoes often (β = 0.39; 95% CI: 0.30, 0.49) and sometimes (β = 0.14; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.23), perceived MBD threat (β = 0.02; 95% CI: 0.00, 0.03), MBD knowledge (β = 0.06; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.08), and having a chronic disease (β =  0.08; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.14). Models were adjusted for place of residence, education, and age. No associations were found between sex, having experienced an MBD, or confidence in public authorities to manage health crises.

Conclusions
This study provides the first insights into MBD protective behaviour and its associated factors considering all metropolitan French regions. Our results highlight several factors which may inform MBD prevention communication and policies focused on increasing individual protective behaviour.

Key messages
• People often bitten by mosquitoes are more likely to engage in more frequent and a higher number of mosquito-borne disease protective behaviour than people almost never bitten by mosquitoes.
• Higher perceived mosquito-borne diseases threat is associated with more frequent and a higher number of mosquito-borne disease protective behaviour.