bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Don’t pass me by: Tackling vaccine hesitancy among migrants via the RIVER-EU project
Authors: Ganczak M , Schloemer T 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Literature research has suggested that vaccination hesitancy (VH) has been increasing in recent years across migrant populations. It poses various challenges, including risks of outbreaks, and re-emergence of diseases. Nevertheless, only few studies provide an insight of the interventions successful in tackling VH among these groups. This presentation will describe a multi-country research enterprise that aims to respond to these needs. The “RIVER-EU - Reducing Inequalities in Vaccine uptake in the European Region - Engaging Underserved communities” project (funding from EU’s Horizon 2020, Grant Agreement No. 964353) involves several underserved communities, such as Ukrainian migrants (UMs) in Poland, migrants and refugees in Greece, females with Turkish/Moroccan migration background in the Netherlands and the marginalized Roma communities in Slovakia. The project aims at improving child and adolescent HPV/MMR vaccination among these communities by implementing tailored interventions, suitable for each target country. The focus is on removing health system barriers to vaccination. The data regarding VH are an important by-product of the RIVER-EU project, and shows the connection between perceived access barriers and VH. A project-based approach to combat VH among UMs in Poland will serve as a case study to demonstrate the complex process of development of adequate interventions, that could be used to support this migrant group, with disturbingly low vaccination uptake. However, this presentation will go beyond this case study findings - a review of the existing evidence will help generalize our results. Overall, this presentation will show to how investigating various drivers of under-immunization helps to assess what approaches, strategies and interventions are effective to combat VH among marginalized migrant groups.
Longitudinal association between nonstandard work schedule and depressive symptoms
Authors: Nwaru C , Albani V , McNamara C , Bertilsson M , Bambra C 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Nonstandard work schedules (NSWSs) have been linked to increased risk of depression, but the evidence is mostly from cross-sectional studies and data on the risk distribution across various groups is lacking. We examined the impact of different NSWSs on depressive symptoms and assessed effect modification by sex, ethnicity, and immigrant status.

Methods
We used five waves of longitudinal data from the Understanding Society, the UK Household Longitudinal Study, which were collected biennially from 2010/11 to 2018/19. The study sample comprised 11371 employed workers aged 16 to 58 years in 2010/11. Generalised estimating equation with logistic regression was used to assess crude and adjusted effects of NSWS types (work time arrangement, work hours, and weekend working) on depressive symptoms. Independent correlation was specified in all the models. Complete-case and multiple imputation analyses were performed.

Results
After adjusting for confounders, only weekend work was associated with depressive symptoms. Workers who worked most/all (OR 1.24; 95%CI 1.13 - 1.37) or some (OR 1.10; 95%CI 1.02 - 1.18) weekends had a higher risk of depressive symptoms than workers who did not work on weekends. Ethnicity modified the association between work hours and depressive symptoms, indicating a higher risk among White workers working &gt; 40 hours/week (OR 1.10; 95%CI 1.02 - 1.20) and Asian workers working &lt;35 hours/week (OR 1.72; 95%CI 1.32 - 2.25) compared to White workers working 35-40 hours/week. No effect modification by sex or immigrant status was observed. The results were the same as those obtained from the imputation model.

Conclusions
Weekend work, long work hours (for White workers), or working &lt; 35 hours/week (for Asian workers) were associated with increased risk of depressive symptoms. These findings indicate the need to review the working conditions of workers exposed to NSWSs, especially those working on weekends and Asian workers who work part-time.

Key messages
• Weekend work schedule is associated with an increased risk of depressive symptoms among employed workers in the UK.
• The effect of work hours on depressive symptoms varies by ethnicity.
Role Play: Practicing EVFAM-BR
Authors: Eshriqui I , de Almeida L Y , de Souza E L , Nascimento V E , de Mendonça JMT , Neto FTP , Rebustini F , de Medeiros E B , de Sousa AAF , Bonfim D 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
This activity will last 20 minutes and will consist in a role Play dynamic, when participants will have the opportunity to experience the Vulnerability Family Scale (EVFAM-BR). Groups of three participants will be formed. In each group, one person will represent the community health worker, another will act as the patient and the third will play the observer role. Half of the groups will receive a case (low family vulnerability) and the other half will receive a second case (high family vulnerability, emphasizing a violence situation occurrence).
Patient-Reported Indicator Surveys (PaRIS): measuring patient reported experiences and outcomes across populations and health systems
Authors: Porter Ian 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
We aimed to develop and test the performance of a questionnaire for adults (aged 45 or older) with one or more chronic conditions who use primary/ambulatory care across populations and health systems in multiple countries. Candidate scales and items were identified through a systematic process supported by international stakeholders (PaRIS Patient Advisory Panel, Technical Advisory Community and Working Party members of participating countries). Four instruments for each domain, covering patient reported outcome measures (PROMs), patient reported experience measures (PREMs), health behaviours, and health and health care capabilities, were shortlisted using predefined criteria and evaluated using the EMPRO method. A modified Delphi supported selecting a core instrument for each domain and additional relevant scales/items. Consultations took place with the stakeholders to confirm the suitability of the proposed questionnaire. The questionnaire was evaluated through cognitive testing and further modified accordingly. The survey was piloted in a Field Trial. Psychometric evaluation was conducted with data from a Field trial on an item level and scale level. Out of 217 instruments, the Delphi resulted in consensus on a core instrument for each main domain and additional questions to ensure comprehensiveness. The cognitive testing of the draft survey (17 languages, 20 countries) confirmed that most questions were interpreted as intended. The version of the survey developed for the field trial included 118 questions. The field trial psychometric evaluation was based on 10,145 patients, across 18 countries. The questionnaire performed well at item level and at scale level. Performance in terms of structure and validity was good overall. A revised version of the patient questionnaire was created with 115 items. A comprehensive questionnaire has been constructed based on the PaRIS survey framework for people living with chronic conditions and following an inclusive approach.
The Impact of Portuguese Community Pharmacies on Influenza Vaccination Accessibility and Coverage
Authors: Teixeira Rodrigues A , Guerreiro J , Romano S , Moura S , Paulino E 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Vaccination reduces influenza infections. Non-adherence often stems from external barriers like distance to vaccination sites. To counteract the projected coverage decrease for 2023/24, Portugal’s Government expanded free Influenza vaccination to those ≥ 60 and to community pharmacies (CP), enhancing proximity and availability. This study aimed to assess the impact of CP inclusion on the distance to vaccination sites and on Influenza vaccine coverage in the 2023/24 campaign.

Methods
Analytical study, evaluating the average distance (km) from population to the nearest vaccination site per municipality using GPS coordinates from National Health Service (NHS) sites and CP. The Global Human Settlement resident population grid was derived from Eurostat 2011 Census, Corine Land Cover Refined 2006 and European Settlement Map 2016. Scenarios with and without CP were compared. The difference (%) in distances between 2022/23 (NHS sites) and 2023/24 (NHS sites and CP) and the coverage for the top and bottom 10% of municipalities with the highest and lowest distance reductions were calculated.

Results
In the 2023/24 Influenza vaccination campaign, 844 NHS sites and 2487 CP participated. Excluding CP, the average distance to the nearest NHS site was 2.4 km, decreasing to 1.2 km with CP inclusion (-50.5%). As of March 31, 2024, influenza vaccine coverage for those aged ≥65 was 72.1%, decreasing 0.1 percentage points (pp) compared to 2022/23 (72.2%). For the top 10% municipalities with the highest distance reduction (up to 66.5%), coverage increased by 1.3 pp compared to 2022/23. Conversely, the bottom 10% (reduction under 10.3%) experienced a decrease of 4.5 pp.

Conclusions
The inclusion of pharmacies has effectively reduced access barriers, filled geographical gaps, and improved proximity to vaccination. This strategy appears to have a positive impact on influenza vaccination coverage, particularly amid growing hesitancy, with potential for broader public health strategies.

Key messages
• The inclusion of community pharmacies in the 2023/24 Influenza vaccination campaign reduced the average distance to the nearest vaccination site by 50.5%, from 2.4 km to 1.2 km.
• In 2023/24, for the top 10% municipalities with the highest distance reduction (up to 66.5%), coverage increased 1.3 pp compared to 2022/23.
Introduction to the digital health divide
Authors: Pedrós Barnils N 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
This presentation will introduce the concept of digital health divide. It refers to inequalities in accessing and using digital technologies, leading to digital exclusion. Digital inclusion is defined by the United Nations as “equitable, meaningful, and safe access to use, lead, and design of digital technologies, services, and associated opportunities for everyone, everywhere”. Indeed, digitalisation is a worldwide phenomenon that permeates all levels of determinants of health inequities, leading to several populations being more adversely affected. Age, gender, education, and economic status are significant determinants amplifying the digital divide’s impact, with older individuals, women, less educated individuals, and economically disadvantaged populations bearing disproportionate effects. The relationship between the digital divide and health leading to the digital health divide can be direct and indirect. Here, access to the latest advancements in health technologies used along the health span (eHealth, mHealth) - from health prevention to patient care - can directly influence the user’s health. However, the lack of access to or use of existing technologies can also indirectly affect their well-being. A globally informative example of this indirect association is the lack of internet access in rural areas during the hard COVID-19 lockdowns, leading to the loss of a school year for many pupils. Indeed, school attendance and attainment are associated with better physical and mental health. Currently, there is a lack of operationalisation of the digital health divide, making it difficult to measure it accurately. The absence of a standardised evaluation and therefore evidence-based information hinders governments and organizations’ efforts to effectively address digital health divide.
Measures to increase the retention of migrant healthcare professionals in Germany
Authors: Jansen E , Peppler L 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The shortage of skilled workers in the healthcare sector is a pressing issue in Germany that has been worsening in recent years. It is often compensated by the deployment of specialists from abroad. However, this is accompanied by various challenges. This article synthesizes challenges from nine years of research and proposes approaches to solutions that have proven successful in practice in Germany as well as in international settings.

Methods
The insights presented here condense the results from a total of six research projects (four on physicians and two on nursing). The research projects are based on exploratory qualitative interviews, quantitative questionnaires, mixed-methods designs, and the generation and testing of measures that can help with the integration of foreign skilled workers.

Results
The main challenges for migrated skilled workers are inadequate language and communication skills, lack of knowledge about the national healthcare system, disease and therapy concepts, unfamiliar forms of inter-hierarchical and inter-professional collaboration, a lack of understanding of administrative and bureaucratic processes and social integration. The following measures have proven successful in Germany and abroad: increasing social integration of physicians (e.g. through partner or peer programs), streamlining systems, establishing professional structures for the integration of foreign skilled workers, and creating a positive work environment.

Conclusions
Compared to findings from international studies, in Germany the hurdles of administrative processes, the peculiarities of the healthcare system (e.g. social medicine), and learning the language are considered to be the highest. It is important to counteract these challenges with appropriate measures in order to prevent a migration of healthcare professionals already in Germany to (mostly English-speaking) foreign countries.

Key messages
• In Germany the hurdles of administrative processes, the peculiarities of the German healthcare system (e.g. social medicine), and learning the German language are considered to be the highest.
• It should be considered to no longer leave the migration of healthcare staff to individual integration efforts, but to create appropriate government structures that focus on their social integration.
Participative development of a culture-sensitive instrument to measure substance use in Syrian refugees
Authors: Behr K , Lindert J 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Rarely assessment instruments have been developed with end users such as refugees or those suffering from mental health conditions. Refugees’ experiences pre-, during, and post-flight are associated with various mental health problems including substance use disorders. Systematic reviews on the prevalence of substance use disorders in refugees worldwide show heterogeneous results. To address possible misclassification due to the lack of refugee-sensitive instruments we aimed to develop a refugee-sensitive instrument.

Methods
We applied a three-step triangulation study design. First, we conducted a three-stage delphi-process in 2019 and 2020. We recruited Syrian medical doctors for the study. Second, we conducted six focus group discussions with Syrian refugees and medical doctors. Third, we conducted expert checks with medical doctors and professionals providing psycho-social services for refugees. For all focus group discussions, audio recordings were translated and transcribed. Computer-assisted thematic analysis was performed applying a deductive approach with semantic coding.

Results
The refugee-sensitive instrument consists of seven domains of substance use: lifetime use of relevant types of substances, frequency, intensity, self-perception of, and situations posing a risk for substance use, ability to perform, craving, tolerance, and intentions to reduce or quit substance use.

Discussion
The instrument has been developed qualitatively, however, a limitation is that it could not be validated in a quantitative large sample of refugees. In spite of this limitation, this is - to the best of our knowledge - the first instrument that has been developed in a participatory approach together with end-users.

Outlook
The study suggests that developing assessment instruments in a participatory approach is feasible. Participatory development of assessment instruments is in line with the new paradigm of co-creation of mental health conditions management.
Exploring the mental health impact of asylum-seeking of sexual minority men: a qualitative study
Authors: Gottvall M , Isaac R , Carlsson T 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Sexual minority individuals, often called LGBTQ+, encounter significant danger and violence in some countries worldwide. This forces many to seek asylum in a range of European countries. The study aimed to explore the experiences of seeking asylum and its implications for the mental health of sexual minority forced migrant men in Sweden.

Methods
An exploratory qualitative approach was used, and 15 adult gay and bisexual cisgender men were interviewed individually. Participants were recruited through a combination of purposeful, convenience, and snowball sampling. Systematic text condensation was used to analyze data. The analysis was conducted in close collaboration with three migrants with lived experience.

Results
The asylum-seeking process proved emotionally challenging, involving procedures with negative impacts on mental health. Challenges included disclosing intimate information during asylum interviews and enduring long periods of uncertainty with limited information on asylum case progress. Fundamental to participants’ experiences were the behaviors and attitudes of the professionals involved in legal procedures. Disrespectful and homophobic conduct during asylum interviews, enacted by interpreters and caseworkers, had been experienced by participants. The accuracy of interpretation emerged as crucial, possibly influencing the outcome of asylum claims as well as participants’ comfort in sharing information.

Conclusions
Sexual minority men seeking asylum in Sweden find themselves in an unfamiliar and emotionally challenging position. The challenges highlighted in this study implicates that the stressful asylum process may lead to health burdens among this population. The study emphasizes the critical role of a safe, affirming and supportive environment for asylum seekers. Further research is needed to develop effective support methods to ensure the health and well-being of sexual minority forced migrant populations during the asylum process.

Key messages
• The stressful asylum process may lead to health burdens among forced migrant sexual minority men.
• There is a need for public health action to develop effective support methods addressing the mental health challenges faced by sexual minority forced migrants during their asylum process.
8.P. Scientific session: Lessons-learned from recent foresight studies to support policy making?
Authors:   Organised by: EUPHA-FS, RIVM (Netherlands), Instituto Superior Técnico (Portugal), RAND Europe,   Chair persons: Henk Hilderink (EUPHA-FS), Ana Vieira (EUPHA-FS)
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Though foresight is still relative new regarding applications to public health, their number is rapidly growing. Recently, several foresight studies have been published with different health angles. These foresight studies have in general the purpose to support and improve the policy making process. Policy making that is foresight-informed, e.g. policies that account for possible futures and the uncertainty they encompass, will hopefully be better in achieving policy goals than without foresight. However, policy makers in general have a relatively short time horizon, may not welcome uncertainty and have many other aspects to account for when developing their policies. In this workshop, the link of foresight studies with policy making, also referred to as knowledge translation will be the focal point. The workshop will start with and interactive Mentimeter session to get a better view on how the audience is familiar with foresight and knowledge translation. Then, a brief presentation is given as introduction to foresight and a systematic way of doing knowledge translation, applied to foresight, explaining the basic concepts to level understanding of the audience. This is followed by three presentations of foresight studies on specific topics (Screening, AMR, Substance use) focussing on their link withing policy making. Next, two broader foresight studies will be presented (i.e. Dutch PHFS 2024 and the future of public health in Europe). These provide good examples on how broad future public health are analyzed and can be linked to public health policy making. The workshop will be concluded with a discussion with presenters on the lessons learned regarding foresight and the link to policy making.

Key messages
• Foresight studies in the field of health are maturing by a stronger link to policy making.
• We can learn from recent foresight studies how to do better knowledge translation regarding foresight.
Applying foresight methods at the national level in the field of substance use: Experience from the DRUG-PREP project
Authors: Cosgrove S , Hauspie B 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
This presentation will focus on the experience from the DRUG-PREP project. While foresight has been used in other sectors, its implementation in the drugs field has previously remained relatively limited. The application of foresight to the drugs sphere is important in recognition of the fast-changing and intersectional nature of drugs and addiction. At the European level, a futures exercise was organized by the EMCDDA (as of July 2024 the European Union Drugs Agency, EUDA) to explore the future of drugs at the European level until 2030. In this landscape, the DRUG-PREP project implemented foresight approaches at the national level, to support preparedness of national drug monitoring and response systems. The DRUG-PREP partners carried out individual national exercises in six countries: Belgium, Czechia, Finland, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Portugal. The link to policy was a key aspect of the project, with each country organising a national dialogue to directly engage policymakers. The presentation will focus on the Belgian research. Horizon Scanning was performed to identify trends and megatrends with potential implications on the national drugs ecosystem, through a literature review. An expert workshop was organized to validate the trends and explore their implications. Subsequently, a small scenario building exercise was organised to explore the consequences of a clearly defined ‘disruptor’: the ban on opium production in Afghanistan. Finally, a national dialogue allowed discussion with stakeholders on how foresight can be integrated more structurally in the drugs field in Belgium. A summary of the results will be presented. Policymakers across all levels (local, regional, federal) have been active participants in the foresight activities and workshops. The link to policymaking has been crystallized in the integration of foresight into the new Belgian National Drugs Strategy 2024-2025.