bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Interprofessional Skills with SKY Campus: A Pilot Study on Mental Well-being at UCD
Authors: Kumawat J , Conyard K , Wall P , Codd M 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Public health professionals and students face increasing mental health challenges. Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY), known for its mental health benefits such as stress reduction and improved emotional regulation, offers a promising strategy for enhancing well-being in public health education.

Objectives
To evaluate the immediate effects of a three-day participatory SKY workshop on mental well-being of Master of Public Health students at University College Dublin, Ireland.

Methods
A non-randomized, controlled pilot study will involve MPH students at UCD. Participants, aged 18 and above, enrolled in the MPH programme, will provide informed consent to attend a three-day SKY workshop in September 2024. The workshop, delivered by certified trainers, includes three sessions of three hours each. Standardised and validated Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) such as the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and WHO-Five Well-being Index (WHO-5) will be used to assess perceived stress and mental wellbeing at baseline and immediately after the workshop.

Results
Based on previous literature, it is hypothesized that participants will show a significant reduction in perceived stress and improvement in mental wellbeing scores. Data will be analysed using descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests to evaluate changes in PROM scores.

Conclusions
This pilot study aims to provide preliminary evidence on the effectiveness of SKY in improving mental wellbeing among public health students. Successful outcomes could support integrating SKY into the public health curriculum, promoting its adoption across other institutions, and enhancing the professional skills development of future public health professionals. This component is proposed in the ASPHER core curriculum programme for public health as an important cross curricular subject area

Key messages
• Integrating SKY Campus workshops into public health education enhances interprofessional skills and mental well-being, offering a holistic approach to professional development in global health.
• This study uses standard PROMs to assess the SKY workshop’s impact, aiming for significant improvements in stress and mental well-being to shape global public health curricula.
A prolonged outbreak of tuberculosis associated with an intellectual disability daycentre in Ireland
Authors: McGlacken T , O’Connor K , O’Hare C , O’Connell A , Dwan E , Doyle S 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

One of the factors impeding tuberculosis elimination in low burden countries is its persistence and concentration in vulnerable populations. This is a complex, prolonged Tuberculosis (TB) outbreak in a daycentre for adults with intellectual disability in Ireland. This is a particularly vulnerable population with special considerations for Public Health (PH) management. There are eight cases of active TB, 46 cases of Latent TB Infection (LTBI) and a cumulative total of 116 contacts associated with this outbreak, with diagnosis spanning 15 years. The last three cases were identical on Whole Genome Sequencing. The index case was an Irish-born, Caucasian, social care worker, with smear positive pulmonary TB, who was symptomatic in the facility for three months prior to diagnosis. Case 2 was a household contact of the index case and the other 6 cases were Service Users (SUs) at the facility. At least five of the subsequent seven cases are secondary cases of the index case. Significant to this outbreak was the change in Irish guidance, 2010, relating to the management of contacts of cases. Following the notification of the most recent case, July 2023, the Outbreak Control Team decided a retrospective review be conducted of all SU contacts of the seven cases associated with the facility. The contacts were stratified according to hierarchical risk. A total of six contacts met the criteria for review and offered screening, re-screening or treatment as appropriate. In this outbreak 21.8% of the total contacts and 16.1% of SU contacts completed treatment for LTBI. The significance of this outbreak lies in its duration, infectivity of the index case and particular vulnerabilities of the SUs. There were issues with overcrowding and difficulties in relation to symptom recognition, diagnosis and treatment. The PH team tailored their approach to meet the SU needs, demonstrating the importance of person-centred contact tracing in the disruption of transmission.

Key messages
• A factor impeding tuberculosis elimination in low burden countries is it’s persistence and concentration in vulnerable populations.
• Adapting a patient-centred approach to contact tracing can lead to higher participation rate and the disruption of infection transmission.
The resurgence of pertussis in Central Serbia in the period from June to December 2023
Authors: Grego E , Gospodinovic H , Cabrilo M , Ivanovic M , Ivanovic J , Simic N , Pavlovic L J , Veljkovic M , Jovanovic S , Jovanovic V 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
There was a registered increase in the number of confirmed pertussis cases in Central Serbia between June and December 2023. Among the possible causes of pertussis resurgence are increased awareness of pertussis among healthcare workers, availability of the sensitive RT PCR method in diagnostic, the limited duration of vaccine-induced immunity as well as decline of immunization coverage influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods
The nasopharyngeal samples from clinics and primary care departments were transferred to Institute of Public Health of Serbia. DNA was extracted from each sample using the MagMAX Viral/Pathogen kit. The presence of B. pertussis was determined using two PCR assays, VIASURE Bordetella Real Time PCR Detection Kit and Bosphore B. pertussis/parapertussis Genotyping Kit, Anatolia Geneworks.

Results
RT-PCR confirmed a total of 338 pertussis cases in Institute of Public Health of Serbia during the observed period. Most of confirmed cases were among children 9-14 years old (49,7%) followed by infants younger than 12 months (21,9%). The more severe cases were among the unvaccinated and uncomplete vaccinated infants, 78,4% of which required hospitalization with two deaths in this age group.

Conclusions
Based on the analysis of the obtained results, we can highlight the importance of using sensitive methods in pathogen detection. Rapid diagnosis, laboratory confirmation and notification ensure early public health intervention to minimize the spread of disease. Despite long tradition of mandatory immunization against pertussis in the Republic of Serbia, wanning of vaccine induced immunity poses potential risk for the resurgence of pertussis. For pertussis control, in the future, it will be essential to achieve high immunization coverage as well as to introduce a booster dose of pertussis containing vaccine for children aged 14 and to implement vaccination of pregnant women.

Key messages
• For the better pertussis control vaccination of adolescents and adults, as well as vaccination of pregnant women should be considered in the future vaccination policies.
• Clinicians should consider pertussis in the differential diagnosis of persistent cough illness in people of all ages, even those previously immunized.
From agent-based simulations of disease dynamics to expert support on public health interventions
Authors: Moeckel M 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Agent-based epidemiological simulators have long been used to predict the dynamics of infectious diseases. They allow to combine compartment approaches with representing contact networks derived from real or synthetic populations. Often, scenario techniques are applied to model the impact of public health interventions. During the COVID-19 pandemics the agent-based simulator COVASIM has been established for modelling the spreading of SARS-CoV-2. It includes four different contact networks related to homes, schools, workplaces and environment. During the pandemic it became obvious that the current simulation techniques were not sufficient to cover important needs in public health administrations and society. While most simulations were based on scenarios predicting expected numbers for the infected, hospitalized or critically ill, these studies could not provide easily strategic options on a variety of equivalent public health interventions, which are all suitable to keep disease dynamics within acceptable bounds, set e.g. by hospital capacity. Knowing about a variety of equivalent options, however, is of crucial importance to enable a fair burden sharing throughout all groups of society. Therefore, we applied machine learning techniques to create an inverse model for epidemiological simulations based on COVASIM. For given transmission rates it outputs a range of quantitative interventions which are equivalently suitable to keep epidemiological dynamics within predefined bounds. Currently, it covers interventions like school and workplace closings and other mobility restrictions. Future work will be directed to include other interventions, like vaccination campaigns, and we will work to make the approach more generalizable for other infectious diseases. The tool may turn out helpful fur public health administrations and stimulate the public debate on the best way a society may take in a pandemic event or other situations where public health action has to be imposed.

Key messages
• Machine Learning allows to invert agent based simulators.
• Instead of disease dynamics simulations a set of equivalent public health interventions consistent with pre-defined constraints can be calculated.
Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviors of Healthcare Workers Working in Malatya Towards COVID-19 Vaccines
Authors: Boz G , Ozer A 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The rapid production of vaccines and the introduction of new vaccine technologies have raised concerns among some individuals regarding anti-vaccination, while others have expressed worries about vaccines. Given that healthcare professionals’ recommendations significantly influence people’s vaccination decisions, this study aimed to examine the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of healthcare professionals working in family health centers towards COVID-19 vaccines.

Methods
Questionnaires for this descriptive cross-sectional study were administered between February and April 2022. The population comprised 408 health workers employed in family health centers in Malatya, with 292 individuals completing the study. The questionnaire included questions about sociodemographic, COVID-19, COVID-19 vaccines and the COVID-19 Fear Scale.

Results
Although 97.3% of the research group reported having received the COVID-19 vaccination, 47.9% expressed concerns about these vaccines. The median score of the COVID-19 Fear Scale was 15 (7.00-35.00). 86.6% of the participants indicated that they recommended COVID-19 vaccines. 16.4% of the participants agreed with the statement ‘there are no studies proving the safety of vaccines,’ and 49% agreed that ‘vaccines pass through clinical trials quickly and are put on the market’. Those who did not recommend COVID-19 vaccines, those who agreed with the statement ‘there are no studies proving the safety of vaccines’ and those who agreed with the statement ‘vaccines pass through clinical trials quickly and are put on the market’ were concerned about COVID-19 vaccines with their level of concern significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05).

Conclusions
Almost all members of the research group had received the COVID-19 vaccine, yet almost half of them expressed concerns about vaccines. Those who do not recommend vaccines, those who believe they are released quickly, and those who have safety concerns are more likely to be concerned.

Key messages
• Identify the reasons for health workers’ concerns about vaccines and provide remedial interventions for concerns that may arise regarding other vaccines.
• It should be ensured that healthcare professionals, who are expected to be role models for society in terms of immunization, possess scientific and up-to-date knowledge on vaccines.
Implementation evaluation of a school-based intervention on HPV vaccination (the PrevHPV study)
Authors: Bocquier A , Simon M , Michel M , Bruel S , Gauchet A , LeDuc-Banaszuk A S , Gagneux-Brunon A , Mueller J E , Giraudeau B , Thilly N 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
HPV vaccine coverage (VC) remains lower than expected in many countries, particularly France. We developed and evaluated the PrevHPV multicomponent intervention to improve HPV VC among French adolescents. We evaluated the implementation of the school-based components of the intervention.

Methods
We carried out a mixed-method study embedded in a cluster randomized controlled trial (July 2021-April 2022; 14/25 French school districts). The cluster was the municipality (n = 91). The school-based components of the intervention were ‘education and motivation’ and ‘at-school vaccination’. Quantitative data were collected through standardized activity reports and self-administered questionnaires; the implementation outcomes were fidelity, dose, reach, acceptability and sustainability. Qualitative data were collected through semistructured group interviews with school staff and analyzed using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research.

Results
We found high rates for: fidelity (e.g., 69% of the targeted classes had two educational sessions and 89% of schools invited all pupils for at-school vaccination, as planned); acceptability (e.g., pupils’ participation satisfying in 90% of the sessions, 96% of vaccinated pupils and 78% of school staff satisfied with at-school vaccination); and sustainability (e.g., respectively 91% and 76% of schools considered conducting sessions and vaccination days during the following year). However, the withdrawal of 1/3 of schools before the trial started and difficulties in mobilizing parents negatively impacted dose and reach. Several facilitators and barriers influenced the implementation of the components; they were related to the components’ design, the characteristics of both the external and internal environment of the school, the numerous stakeholders and individuals involved, and the implementation strategies used.

Conclusions
These results can guide policy making on school-based HPV vaccine promotion in France and Europe.

Key messages
• The PrevHPV study is supported by the French health authorities and conducted by a multidisciplinary consortium to tackle a long-lasting public health concern in France.
• These findings have practical implications for implementing effective and acceptable school-based interventions in real life to improve HPV vaccine uptake and reduce HPV-associated burdens.
Breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes and practices of HIV-positive women in Africa, a systematic review
Authors: Cuenca-Viñas N , Sánchez-Marqués R , Benito A , Romay-Barja M 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Breastfeeding (BF) is essential to ensure the health and survival of children, especially in regions where diarrhoea, pneumonia and malnutrition are common causes of child mortality. The WHO currently recommends, along with antiretroviral treatment, exclusive BF (EBF) for the first six months and mixed BF for the next six months and extending it to 24 months. In sub-Saharan Africa, more than one million HIV-positive women face the challenge of infant feeding due to limited access to treatment and safe water. The aim of this study was to understand the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of HIV-positive mothers in Africa to provide evidence for public health strategies.

Methods
We conducted a systematic review of studies on Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of BF among HIV-exposed children in African countries, following the principles of the PRISMA statement and identified by searching major databases of records published between 2013 and 2023.

Results
Of the 498 articles identified, 21 met the inclusion criteria. 70% of the studies were conducted in Ethiopia, South Africa, and Kenya. 95% of the studies were conducted in health care facilities. Mothers showed good knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding EBF of HIV-exposed children, but low knowledge and fear of continuing to practice BF later on. The HIV-positive mothers mentions a range of recommendations received from health workers, identified as their main source of information. Stigma against mothers who practice EBF was found. The primary reason for early cessation of BF was due to work.

Conclusions
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the infant feeding currently recommended by WHO for HIV-positive mothers was weak. There is little evidence of what happens in other African countries and in women with limited access to the health system. Public health policies need to be strengthened to ensure that health workers are trained in the current guidelines to improve HIV-positive women’s BF.

Key messages
• HIV-positive mothers are afraid to continue breastfeeding their babies after 6 months.
• More studies about the breastfeeding practices of children of HIV-positive mothers with limited access to health services are needed.
Screening for congenital Chagas disease in a non-endemic area: a cost-effectiveness analysis
Authors: Marraffa P , Dentato M , Angheben A , Barbera G , Nurchis M C , Heidar Alizadeh A , Olivo L , Damiani G , Gianino M M 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Due to climate changes, immigration, and globalization, Chagas Disease (CD) also afflicts nations without vector transmission. In Europe, congenital CD (cCD) is a significant public health issue, perpetuating the disease: it is crucial to perform CD screening in pregnant women at risk, as the treatment of infants is effective in eradicating the infection. Only a few European regions have a definite algorithm for diagnosing cCD, but no official guidance has been published at the national or European level. To support policymakers, this study aims to outline a cost-effectiveness analysis of CD screening in non-endemic areas, such as Italy, in pregnant women born or arriving from endemic countries and in their newborns.

Methods
To measure the economic impact of cCD screening, a decision tree model will be used to compare the test option (screening, diagnosis, treatment, follow-up) with no test option (no screening, progression of disease). Model parameters will be taken from relevant scientific literature. The primary outcome will be the Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) between the two options. Sensitivity analyses will be conducted to determine how changes in prevalence, transmission rate, screening adherence, and treatment adherence may affect the ICER.

Results
We expect the ‘test’ option to be cost-effective even with significant reductions in prevalence, transmission rate, adherence to screening or treatment. Threshold levels of these variables will allow to critically extend the results to areas with reduced immigration, patchy distribution of migrants at risk, health logistical limitations, and limited access to care for immigrants.

Conclusions
Our findings can help policymakers implement official screening programs and diagnostic algorithms for cCD in Italy and other non-endemic countries. This contributes to SDG 3 by combating the spread and burden of neglected tropical diseases and contributing to maternal, child, and migrant health.

Key messages
• Screening for congenital Chagas Disease in a non-endemic area may be cost-effective and cost-saving.
• Study findings could provide useful information for health policymakers to combat Chagas Disease in Europe.
Results of a 5 year Antimicrobial Stewardship program in a North Italian Hospital
Authors: Calzavara A , Tikvina S , Zavatta G , Miotti A M , Ruggeri A , Madia A , Marchiori M , Zilli E 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Issue
A National Action Plan (PNCAR) to fight antimicrobial resistance has been launched in Italy in 2017, further revised in 2022. In order to reduce inappropriate exposure to antibiotics and infections from multidrug resistant bacteria, a structured system of surveillance and monitoring according to PNCAR standards has been set up in all Italian regions. In the Hospital of Cittadella (District of Padua, Veneto region), special focus has been given to the reduction of antibiotic consumption, in particular quinolones, third generation cephalosporins, carbapenems and macrolides.

Description
Multidisciplinary meetings have been monthly organized by the hospital Antimicrobial Stewardship Group, with the aim of coordinating the implementation of specific stewardship actions. A quantitative estimate of antibiotic consumption (defined daily dose - DDD - consumption per 100 days of hospitalization) has been provided by the Regional data warehouse from 2019 to 2023 regarding all classes of antibiotics.

Results
Between 2019 and 2023 a clear decrease in the consumption of quinolones (from 8 to 5,8 DDD, -28%) and carbapenems (from 2,5 to 1,3 DDD, -48%) was observed but, at the same time, an increase in the consumption of third generation cephalosporins (from 9 to 15,7 DDD, +74%) has been reported. This can be explained as a direct consequence of the correct application of therapy guidelines, which in several cases suggest the use of ceftriaxone instead of meropenem. Finally, after an increase in the consumption of macrolides during the first COVID-19 pandemic wave, the consumption of this class of antibiotics has returned to pre-pandemic level.

Lessons
Constant monitoring of antimicrobial consumption and the identification of warning situations that may need to implement specific actions are the cornerstone of Antimicrobial Stewardship programs. Targets must be defined analyzing data of bacterial resistance rates and infections from multidrug resistant bacteria.

Key messages
• In Antimicrobial Stewardship programs it is important to adopt constant monitoring of antimicrobial consumption.
• Antimicrobial stewardship programs need to be adapted according to the characteristics of each hospital.