bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tobacco smoking during COVID-19 pandemic among social media users in Russia
Authors: Gil A U , Novikov A P , Demin A K , D’Souza L 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced countries to take various restrictive measures, including “lockdowns”, which may have affected tobacco smoking. The study explored associations between an increase in smoking, sociodemographic, and related to pandemic factors during pandemic among social media users in Russia.

Methods
Between June-September 2020, 1518 users of the most popular in Russia social media networks participated in online survey investigating changes in alcohol, tobacco, and substance use during pandemic. Binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with an increase in tobacco smoking. The analysis was adjusted for sex, level of education, perception of the severity of public life restrictions, negative work/financial consequences of the pandemic, stress, changes in the frequency of drinking, heavy episodic drinking (6 or more standard drinks at a time), and the volume of alcohol consumed on a typical occasion.

Results
46.8% of the surveyed population were current smokers. 17.0% of them reduced, 37.9% increased, and 45.1% didn’t change their smoking during the pandemic. Relative to those whose smoking reduced or didn’t change, those who increased their smoking were more likely to be: 18-29 years old (OR = 1.906; 95% CI = 1.109-3.277), residents of medium to big cities (up to 1 mln inhabitants) (1.519; 1.017-2.270), had their income reduced (1.508; 1.024-2.222), faced severe restrictions in everyday life as a result of measures taken to contain SARS-CoV-2 (2.398; 1.440-3.758). After introducing alcohol consumption variables to the model, only two factors were associated with an increase in smoking: severe restrictions in everyday life (2.147; 1.227-3.993) and increased frequency of heavy episodic drinking during pandemic (2.338; 1.167-4.685).

Conclusions
Increase in tobacco smoking during pandemic was associated with severe restrictions in everyday life and increased frequency of heavy episodic drinking among social media users in Russia.

Key messages
• More than a third of social media users increased tobacco smoking during pandemic, which was associated with severe restrictions in everyday life and increased frequency of heavy episodic drinking.
• During pandemics and similar public health crises, it is advisable to expand remote counseling services for alcohol and tobacco cessation, which can be delivered through social media.
Mammography screening among women attending primary healthcare centers in Monastir, Tunisia
Authors: Ben Nasrallah C , Kacem M , Dhouib W , Maatouk A , Gara A , Zemni I , Abroug H , Ben Fredj M , Bouanène I , Belguith Sriha A 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Breast cancer is the leading cancer among women worldwide. Early detection through mammography screening improves prognosis and enhances survival rate for this disease. The aim of this study was to identify the factors associated with mammography screening utilization among women attending primary healthcare centers.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted in four primary healthcare centers in Monastir governorate in October 2023 using a pre-tested questionnaire. Women aged over 45 years-old were included as they were the target group in the breast cancer screening strategy. Univariate then multivariate analyses were performed in order to identify the factors associated with mammography screening utilization. Data was analyzed by SPSS 21.0.

Results
A total of 192 women were included in the study with a mean age of 56.7±8.8 years-old. Among them, 79.7 % (n = 153) were married and 51.6% (n = 98) had three children and less. A total of 55.3 % (n = 94) had a primary education level. Regarding participants’ practices of breast cancer screening, 35% of our participants have had mammogram. Univariate analysis showed that the knowledge about breast cancer symptoms (p = 0.015), practicing Breast self-examination (BSE) (p = 0.002), being aware about mammography (p = 0.001) and the recommended age of the screening at 45 years-old (p = 0.001) were significantly associated with adherence to breast cancer screening. Multivariate analysis revealed that practicing BSE (ORa=2.60 [95%CI: 1.22-5.55] and knowing the recommended age of mammography screening (ORa=2.28 [95%CI: 1.17-4.45] were significant (P &lt; 0.05) predictors of mammography screening utilization.

Conclusions
Mammography screening rate is low. This study had provided some informations about factors influencing mammography screening. Policymakers and public health practitioners should consider the identified factors when developing intervention programs to improve breast cancer screening.

Key messages
• There is a need to conduct education sessions in schools to raise awareness about breast cancer screening at an early age.
• Social media can be a tool for health education on mammography screening.
Prevalence and incidence of chronic wounds in Austria - a population-based real-world data analysis
Authors: Morasek K , Himmelsbach R , Schneider C , Ritschl V , Wieser S , Pötscher A , Stamm T 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Chronic wounds are associated with pain, odor, loss of mobility, an increased risk for infection and sepsis and a reduced quality of life. Treatment costs are rising due to the longevity of the population and increasing number of diabetes cases. For service planning in healthcare, it is thus necessary to describe patient characteristics and estimate the prevalence and incidence of chronic wounds. Currently, no data exists on this subject broken down by age group, gender, and province in Austria.

Methods
A retrospective analysis of real-world data was conducted using two merged datasets from an outpatient wound centre and the Austrian Health Insurance Fund. The study population consisted of people who resided in Austria and were covered by statutory health insurance from 2018 to 2022. We performed a descriptive, socio-demographic analysis of the data of patients, followed by a set of cluster analyses using the unsupervised K-means algorithm. From these clusters, we derived subgroup characteristics and patient trajectories and calculated prevalence and incidence rates for chronic wounds according to diagnoses, different age groups, gender, and different regions.

Results
Gender was almost evenly distributed in the wound centre’s data set (n = 4963; 49.6% female). The age distribution revealed the age group from 71-80 years being the largest group. In general, more women than men are affected by chronic wounds from the age of 81 onwards. 31% of chronic wound patients had diabetes as an underlying condition. More men were affected by peripheral arterial occlusive disease and diabetic foot syndrome and, conversely, more women by chronic venous insufficiency. These are preliminary results of the analyses.

Conclusions
Chronic wound patients were characterised by older age and multi-morbidity. Interestingly, gender differences appeared in the occurrence of comorbidities.

Key messages
• This study makes a crucial contribution in making routine data usable for the epidemiological study of chronic wounds, a cluster of diseases of complex aetiology.
• It thus contributes to filling a knowledge gap. The prevalence estimate serves as a basis of knowledge for health care planning and a basis for the health economic assessment of the problem.
Knowing the Antibody Status may influence compliance of health care workers to COVID-19 booster dose
Authors: Magid A , Hussein K , Dabaja-Younis H , Szwarcwort-Cohen M , Almog R , Hyams G , Gepstein V , Horowitz N A , Halberthal M , Shachor-Meyouhas Y 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Previous studies showed that the fourth SARS-CoV-2 vaccine dose has a protective effect against infection, as well as against severe disease and death. This study aimed to examine whether knowledge of a high level antibody after the 3rd dose may reduce compliance to the 4th booster dose among health care workers.

Methods
We conducted a prospective cohort study among health care workers vaccinated with the first three doses at Rambam Healthcare Campus, a tertiary hospital in northern Israel. Participants underwent a serological test before the 4th booster vaccine was offered to all of them, with results provided to participants. The population was divided into two groups: those with antibody below 955 AU/ml, and those with 955 AU/ml and higher, a cutoff found protective in a previous study. Multiple logistic regression was carried out to compare the compliance to the 4th booster between the two groups, adjusted for demographic and clinical variables.

Results
After adjusting for the confounding variables, the compliance was higher in those with antibody levels below 955 AU/ml (OR = 1.41, P = 0.05, 95% CI 1.10-1.96). In addition, male sex, and age of 60 years and above were also associated with higher vaccination rate (OR = 2.28, P &lt; 0.001, 95% CI 1.64 - 3.17), (OR = 1.14, P = 0.043, 95% CI 1.06 - 1.75), respectively.

Conclusions
Knowledge of the antibody status may affect compliance with the booster dose. Considering waning immunity over time, reduced compliance may affect the protection of health care workers who declined the 4th dose.

Key messages
• Knowing the antibody status may affect compliance of health care workers with the booster dose.
• Reduced compliance of health care workers may affect their protection.
3.H. Scientific session: Advancing Health and Care System Transformation with the THCS Partnership
Authors:   Organised by: European Partnership on Transforming Health and Care Systems, EUPHA-HSR, -HTA,   Chair persons: Ilmo Keskimäki (Finland), Chiara de Waure (EUPHA-HTA)
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Health and care systems across Europe are facing similar challenges. These include demographic and epidemiological changes, such as growing ageing population and increasing incidence and prevalence of chronic diseases, in addition to diminishing of budgets. These challenges can be met by innovative, evidence-based solutions, the research and development of which can be supported by several ways. The European Partnership on Transforming Health and Care Systems (THCS) is a co-fund action within the Horizon Europe Programme which supports coordinated national and regional research and innovation programs, alongside capacity building, networking, dissemination, and other activities crucial for health and care systems’ transformation. The core of THCS’s activities lies in funding research and innovation projects through transnational calls, engaging numerous research and innovation funding organisations. In addition to the funding activities, THCS develops several means for supporting the transformation towards sustainable, efficient, resilient, inclusive, innovative, and people-centred health and care systems accessible to all. This workshop aims at discussing on the trends and needs for research, development and innovation and capacity building in the European health and care systems, on leveraging research outcomes for evidence-based strategies and translating research into practice, on transferring and implementing innovative health and care practices, on fostering ecosystems, and on facilitating knowledge exchange and sharing. In the workshop the different means of the THCS partnership to support the transformation of health and care systems are presented and their further development discussed. The workshop consists of five presentations followed by a general discussion.

Key messages
• Participants will learn about the different means of the THCS partnership to support the transformation of health and care systems.
• Participants can contribute to the further development of the THCS activities by sharing their reflections, opinions, and viewpoints.
Happiness and all-cause mortality: the HAPIEE study
Authors: Pikhart H , Lin F , Tamosiunas A , Kozela M , Capkova N , Pikhartova J , Bobak M 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The evidence on the association between happiness and mortality is mixed. Similarly, the role of covariates in this association is not clear. Almost no evidence on the topic comes from the Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). This analysis aims to evaluate such association in longitudinal data from three CEE countries, and to investigate the role of other variables in this association.

Methods
The analysis is based on data from 18,362 men and women from the longitudinal Health, Alcohol and Psychosocial factors In Eastern Europe (HAPIEE) study conducted in the Czech Republic, Lithuania and Poland who were 45-70 years old at the start of the study. Happiness was based on 4-points Likert scale answers ‘Very happy’, ‘Quite happy’, ‘Not very happy’, and ‘Not at all happy’ to the question ‘Taking all things together, would you say you are ...’. All-cause mortality was obtained from local or national mortality registers. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs).

Results
2,718 deaths have been observed during the 11 years of follow-up. The mortality rates were 13.0, 14.1 and 20.7/1000 person years in very happy, quite happy and unhappy groups. After adjustment for country and age the HR comparing very happy and unhappy was 0.53 (95%CI: 0.43-0.67) in men and 0.66 (0.48-0.91) in women. This association was reduced after adjusting for socioeconomic characteristics, health behaviours and conventional risk factors (HR 0.78 in men and 0.84 in women); and was further reduced after controlling for health conditions at baseline. No strong evidence for country interaction was identified although the association was slightly stronger in Polish men than in other two countries.

Conclusions
Happiness has been shown to predict all-cause mortality in these three countries from CEE although it may be (at least partly) explained by established risk factors and underlying health conditions. This work was supported by the NPO SYRI (LX22NPO5101). #NGEU

Key messages
• Happiness is shown to predict all-cause mortality in this CEE population.
• The association seems stronger in men than in women.
Epidemiology of hepatitis C from 2015 to 2022 in a central Italian region: the OPT-HepaC project
Authors: Tramonti Fantozzi M P , Ceccarelli L , De Vita E , Petri D , Colombatto P , Stasi C , Rossetti B , Agostini A , Tavoschi L 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major global public health problem. This study investigated the evolving landscape of HCV in Tuscany (Italy) from 2015 to 2022, considering demographic shifts, clinical profiles, treatment regimens, and outcomes.

Methods
The study was conducted in order to characterize HCV-positive patients who started treatment between 2015 and 2022 in Tuscan prescribing centers. The study was part of OPT-HepaC, a project funded by Regional Health Service. Data on demographics, clinical history and outcomes were collected. Three different temporal eras were analysed: the period before andfter the universal availability of direct-acting antivirals (DAA) and the COVID-19 era. Treatment’s effectiveness was evaluated by the Sustained Virological Response (SVR12), assessed 12 weeks after the end of treatment. Outcomes included SVR12, non-SVR12 and lost to follow-up (LTFU). ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis test and multinomial logistic regression were used for statistical analysis.

Results
6882 HCV patients (age: 58.88±14.21) were treated by the centres participating at the study. Males (56.4%) and Italian (91.8%) were predominant. Sociodemographic and variable characteristics vary across the time. While the overall SVR12 remained stable over time (χ2(2)=0.357, p = 0.837), the LTFU rate significantly increased during the COVID-19 era. Facilitating factors for the non-SVR12 and LTFU outcomes were male gender (Odds Ratio (OR)=2.134, p = 0.006)/cirrhosis (OR = 1.713, p = 0.040)/HIV co-infection (OR = 3.251, p = 0.005) and DAA treatment of third generation (OR = 4.187, p = 0.006), respectively.

Conclusions
The study provides a comprehensive view of the HCV landscape, highlighting demographic changes, treatment regimens and outcomes. The COVID-19 pandemic affected service delivery, delaying HCV diagnosis/treatment and influencing the LTFU rate. Despite challenges, the region maintained high SVR12 rates, emphasizing the importance of sustained efforts in HCV care.

Key messages
• The study highlights the dynamic nature of HCV management in Tuscany.
• The study emphasises the need for continuous adaptation to public health challenges, providing insights for future public health strategies.
Characterizing a syndemic: STI symptoms, substance use & violence among incarcerated Peruvian women
Authors: Hashemi E , Cyrus E , Turpin R , Cornejo Bazo A , Morgan-Lopez A , Scheidell J , Leon S , Altice F , Sciaudone M , Dyer T 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Despite increasing rates of incarceration and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among women globally, STI epidemiological data for this vulnerable at-risk population is limited. We therefore characterized patterns of STI symptoms and explored covariates and drivers of STI symptoms among incarcerated women in Peru.

Methods
Among 249 incarcerated women surveyed on substance use, depression, sexual behavior, STI symptoms and violence, univariate and bivariate analysis informed a latent profile analysis (LPA) and logistic regression assessing for syndemic associations between violence, substance use, and STI symptoms.

Results
Most participants were Peruvian (93.5%), in their late 30s (median=37; range:18-70 years), sentenced to &lt; 5 years (86.6%) and had completed high school (78.7%). 36.9 had ≥2 STI; A minority were pregnant (2.6%), had children residing with them in prison (7.2%); symptoms. The LPA model with the best fit revealed the largest (39%) group with a ‘syndemic’ profile involving co-occurrence of multiple STI symptoms, substance use, and experiences of interpersonal violence (IPV); 86.6% of this latent class were &lt;50 years old. The substance use and violence ‘syndemic’ profile was associated significantly higher likelihood of having multiple STI symptoms (2+ symptoms: PR = 1.88 (95% CI 1.18, 2.99) or 3+ symptoms PR = 2.55 (95% CI 1.32, 4.93).

Conclusions and Recommendations
The syndemic of younger incarcerated women with substance use and IPV with STI symptoms portends a group at substantially higher risk for HIV and given the structured setting of prisons, should be routinely screened for and treated for STIs. Moreover, these settings can and should screen for and address substance use and IPV and intervene before these women are released to community settings to not only improve individual but public health needs.

Key messages
• In line with syndemic theory, incarcerated women presenting with multiple STI symptoms (≥2) were more likely to be engaged in substance use (illicit drug use and/or alcohol) and experience violence.
• Post-hoc analysis also revealed the rate of substance use was higher among women who engaged in commercial sex work (CSW) pre-incarceration compared to those who were not engaged in CSW.
Investigating Transmission Patterns and Genome Sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 in University College Dublin
Authors: Kumawat J , Codd M , Loughrey J , Scrivener A , Coulahan P , Gormley E , Wall P 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
This study describes the investigation and management of multiple outbreaks of SARS-Cov2 during the second and third wave of the pandemic at University College Dublin, Ireland from September 2020 to September 2021.

Methods
Relevant data were gathered as part of the public health outbreak investigations led by the UCD Internal Covid Control Team (ICCT) in collaboration with the public health teams of the Health Service Executive (HSE). Results are presented for PCR (polymerase chain reaction) confirmed cases and their close contacts, reported to the UCD ICCT between September 2020 to September 2021.

Results
There were 214 cases notified to ICCT. Among these, 153 cases were in residence on-campus cases. 73 epidemiologically linked clusters identified, where the number of cases linked with each cluster varied between 1 to 27. Additional cases during this period had no obvious epidemiological link to the identified clusters. Of 902 close contacts with PCR test results, 31.5% (n = 284) tested positive. 77% (n = 219) self-reported with mild to moderately symptoms while 23% (n = 65) self-reported as asymptomatic. Retrospective Whole Genome Sequence (WGS) analysis was undertaken after the outbreaks had subsided. The test positive cases were grouped into 6 clusters, and it was shown that many of the apparent sporadic cases were included in these clusters.

Conclusions
The proportion of close contacts testing positive varied significantly throughout the pandemic, with testing policy and type of exposure having the greatest impact. Whole genome sequencing can give a better understanding of webs of transmission to complement epidemiological investigations. It is now possible to undertake sequencing in real time where it can make a contribution to outbreak control and resolution. Public Health professionals should become familiar with WGS and bioinformatics as useful tools in their armory for the control of all communicable diseases not only SARS-CoV-2.

Key messages
• Combined epidemiological investigations and Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) provide crucial insights into campus COVID-19 outbreaks, guiding effective control measures.
• WGS integration enhances understanding of transmission patterns, identifies clusters, and equips public health professionals with data-driven approaches for outbreak management beyond SARS-CoV-2.
Culinary medicine in type 2 diabetes management: co-designing the Cook2DIAbeat training program
Authors: Kouvari M , Dalma A , Zota D , Zioga E , Goni L , Acilu A , Chang B , Arrizabalaga-López M , Patsea M , Ruiz-Canela M 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Type 2 diabetes (hereinafter diabetes) stands among the top ten drivers of disease burden. Globally, more than 59 million adults are living with diabetes with a projection of 15% increase by 2045. The Cook2DIAbeat project aims to develop a tailor-made nutrition training program based on culinary medicine, for patients with diabetes to achieve lifelong dietary changes. The aim of the present work was to reveal potential drivers and barriers related to lifelong dietary modifications.

Methods
The study was implemented in February-July 2023 in Spain, Belgium, Greece, and Cyprus. A mixed-method co-design methodology was conducted: co-creation sessions with individuals with diabetes, family members, and healthcare professionals, and an online survey with patients with diabetes.

Results
In total, 23 health professionals and 25 patients and family members participated in the co-creation sessions, and 212 patients in the online survey. Patients and health professionals recognized the added value of the culinary approach for diabetes management. The main perceived barriers for changing dietary habits included difficulties accessing reliable and non-conflicting information, lack of time, emotional and psychological issues, and limited social support. Individuals at an advanced age and of low socioeconomic status seem to demand specific educational approaches addressing the actual challenges of their daily life.

Conclusions
The study indicated that training should provide reliable information and address psychosocial aspects. The translation of the dietary guidelines through the culinary medicine approach seems to be well-received by the target group. Last, the content needs to be tailored to suit the specific age group and socioeconomic background of the patients.

Key messages
• Reliability, practicability are three key characteristics of a nutrition training program in diabetes management.
• Cultural and socioeconomic barriers needs to be taken into consideration.