bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dementia risk factors and cognitive function in a nationwide population-based sample aged 65+
Authors: Gaertner B , Fuchs J , Kuhnert R , Neuhauser H 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Cognitive function is fundamental to healthy aging and independent living. As there is no cure for dementia, prevention of risk factors (e. g. physical inactivity, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, social isolation, depression) is crucial. The aim of our study was to analyze selected dementia risk factors and their association with cognitive function in people aged 65 years and older.

Methods
Cross-sectional data from the nationally representative examination Study on Health of Older People in Germany (Gesundheit 65+) conducted between 2022-2023 by the Robert Koch Institute (n = 1.493; 48% women; mean age 78.8 years). Cognitive function was assessed by the Letter Digit Substitution Test (LDST), a measure of general speed of information processing, and of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease (CERAD) 10-word list delayed recall (WLR), a measure of memory. Weighted associations between age, sex, education, dementia risk scores and z-standardized test scores were examined using linear regression analysis.

Results
Higher age, male sex and lower level of education were significantly associated with lower z-scores in both tests (all p &lt; 0.001). In separate models, all adjusted for age, sex and education, social isolation was associated with lower performance on both LDST (ß=-0.22; 95% confidence interval -0.42, -0.01) and CERAD WLR (ß=-0.21; -0.41, -0.01); depressive symptoms were associated with lower LDST z-scores (ß=-0.40; -0.67, -0.13), and physical inactivity with lower CERAD WLR z-scores (ß=-0.12; -0.24, -0.01). Obesity, hypertension, and diabetes were not significantly associated with any test.

Conclusions
Our findings from this nationwide general population study of old and very old adults show a clustering of reduced cognitive function with social isolation, symptoms of mental health impairments, and physical inactivity in old age which call for coordinated intersectoral health promotion and prevention activities.

Key messages
• The clustering of reduced cognition with dementia risk factors calls for intersectoral health actions.
• Limitations in cognition should only be defined by age-, sex-, and education-specific norms.
4.L. Skills building seminar: Skills building seminar: Enhancing your elevator pitch: persuading a policymaker in seconds
Authors:   Organised by: EUPHAnxt, EUPHA,   Chair persons: Monica Brînzac (EUPHAnxt), Jinane Ghattas (EUPHAnxt)
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Numerous public health researchers aim to influence evidence-based policymaking with their scientific discoveries. However, bridging the gap between research and policy remains a significant challenge. While researchers excel in data analysis and publishing, effectively communicating with policymakers requires additional skills. One crucial skill is the ability to succinctly present research findings, such as in an elevator pitch. In this seminar, top-scoring abstract presenters will have the opportunity to convey their work in just 60 seconds to a panel of policymakers and politicians. Through a hands-on approach, both presenters and attendees will learn, as each pitch receives immediate feedback from the panel. Are they interested? Do they remember the key message? And if all goes well, do you get an invitation to come back and present more of your work?
Since several years the European Public Health Association (EUPHA) has been organising skills-building seminars on the elevator pitch. Building forward on those previous five successful and well-attended workshops, the current workshop will follow up on this series and take forward where the previous editions ended. Lessons learned at the previous elevator pitch workshops:
- Have a clear ask (keep it simple) and show enthusiasm.
- Appeal to the policymaker’s own interests and priorities.
- Spell out how action will be beneficial for the policymaker.
- Be aware of upcoming elections.
- Build a relationship with the assistants of politicians.
- Consider the ‘policy window’.
- Make the comparison with the policy plan.
- Propose an action the politician should undertake.
- Identify the relevant stakeholders and groups affected by the problem.
For this sixth edition we take the elevator pitch to the next level. Whereas previous editions allowed pitches up to 2 minutes, the current seminar will set the timer at 60 seconds. The previous editions showed that keeping the pitch very short was more successful. The session will be wrapped up by a key note with reflections on the pitches exercise and linking this to what the literature says about influencing healthy policy making.

Key messages
• The elevator pitch is a useful skill to have for public health researchers to facilitate the outcomes of their research feed into health policies.
• There are numerous tools available to effectively communicate public health messages to policymakers and promote evidence-informed policy making.

Speakers/Panelists
Charlotte Marchandise
EUPHA
Childhood socioeconomic status and depression in adulthood: systematic review
Authors: Damianakou S , Lamnisos D , Heraclides A 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Low socioeconomic status (SES) is generally associated with poorer mental health, particularly depression. We carried out a systematic review to address the question of whether childhood SES is associated with depression in adulthood and the potential pathways which may explain this association.

Methods
We followed a systematic search strategy in PubMed and Scopus with specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. After removing duplicates, studies were screened for eligibility and quality was assessed independently by two assessors using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale.

Results
After the selection process, 20 observational studies (7 cohort and 13 cross-sectional) that examine the association between SES during childhood and depression in adulthood were included in the systematic review. The most common measures of childhood SES were parental education, occupation or family income, estimated subjectively and/or objectively. In 17 of the studies an inverse relationship between childhood SES and depression was shown. In 17 studies, models were employed to demonstrate the possible pathways which explain the relationship between childhood SES and depressive symptoms. The most important mediators were adult SES, psychosocial factors, childhood trauma and physical health.

Conclusions
Our findings reveal the long-term association between childhood socioeconomic conditions and depression later in life. Suboptimal childhood SES seems to be an important risk factor for depression in adulthood. Improving childhood socioeconomic conditions can potentially have lasting effects well beyond childhood.

Key messages
• Protecting children against the effects of socioeconomic adversity could reduce depression in adult life.
• Policy makers should direct resources towards alleviating childhood disadvantage for promoting health in adulthood.
Disparities in the Incidence and Prevalence of Psychotic Disorders Between With and Without Disabled
Authors: Yeob K E , Kim S Y , Park J H 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Numerous epidemiological studies on psychotic disorders have been conducted, however, most of the studies were conducted from an etiological perspective, and conducted with small sample sizes relatively few focused on all types of disabled, especially with a long observation period. Moreover, no study has included the whole adult population of a country.

Methods
This study was conducted using a data set linking the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, and disability registration data. Age-standardized incidence or prevalence rates were calculated during 2008-2017 according to the presence, severity, and type of the disability. Factors associated with psychotic disorders were examined by multivariate logistic regression.

Results
The age-standardized incidence and prevalence of psychotic disorders was higher among the disabled than among those without disabled across all years, especially those with severe disabled, and intellectual disabled. The gap in the prevalence of psychotic disorders between the disabled and the non-disabled has widened over time. The severe disabled and intellectual disabled showed the strongest associations with the incidence(aOR=3.04,95% CI = 2.93-3.15;aOR=6.18, 95% CI = 5.90-6.47) and prevalence(aOR=7.64,95% CI = 7.58-7.69;aOR=53.62, 95% CI = 53.04-54.22) of psychotic disorders.

Conclusions
The incidence and prevalence of psychotic disorders were higher in people with disabled, especially those with severe disabled, and intellectual disabled. The government must increase effort to narrow the gap between the non-disabled and disabled. Financial support: This research was supported by the Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea funded by the Ministry of Education (No. 2022R1I1A3070074, and 2022R1I1A1A01068449), and a grant of Patient-Centered Clinical Research Coordinating Center funded by the Ministry of Health & Welfare, Republic of Korea (No. HC23C016500).

Key messages
• The incidence and prevalence of psychotic disorders were higher in the disabled, especially severe disabled, and intellectual disabled.
• Important reasons for these finding may be the ‘low socioeconomic status’ and ‘mental health’ of the disabled.
The role of the organisational context in the implementation of a complex mental health intervention
Authors: Rasmussen A N , Maindal H T , Burau V 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Introduction
The 2021 framework for complex interventions introduced by the UK Medical Research Council highlights context as one of the core elements. In the implementation phase, context is considered especially critical as it affects the intervention’s effect, sustainability, and transferability. However, in public health implementation research, there is a lack of understanding of the interrelatedness between intervention and context conditions. This study aimed to explore the role of the organisational context in implementing a complex mental health intervention.

Methods
The study was designed as an ethnographic case study. This design enabled a comprehensive exploration of the relation between the case and its context by providing insights into the process of change implied in the implementation and how this collides with the organisational norms, culture, and structure. Four general practices participating in The Healthy Mind Intervention were included as cases. One-person interviews with clinic owners, focus group interviews with personnel, and observations of intervention activities and everyday life in the practices were used to collect data.

Results
Three themes were identified. First, existing organisational norms, ideals, and values were replicated in the implementation process and either inhibited or facilitated the process of change. Second, different narratives of both implementation and context existed among some of the professional groups, which complicated the collaborative efforts in the implementation. Last, conflicts in the organisations were actualised in the implementation process, which enabled a discussion and improvement of these issues.

Conclusions
Ethnographic case studies provide extensive insights into the role of the organizational context in implementing complex interventions, which is critical for the implementation to be effective, qualified, and sustainable.
Rapid response Task Force: addressing the detection of Aedes albopictus in Lisbon, Portugal
Authors: Grau-Pujol B , Moreira A , Vieira Martins J , Costa Osório H , Ribeiro L , Dinis A , Sousa C , João Alves M , Pinto Leite P , Vasconcelos P 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Issue
The invasive Aedes albopictus mosquitoes are spreading in southern Europe and pose a heightened risk of mosquito-borne diseases, like Dengue and Chikungunya. On September 2023, A. albopictus was first identified in Lisbon through community-based surveillance and a multidisciplinary national Task Force (TF) was convened.

Description of the problem
The TF included experts in epidemiology, entomology, environmental health, laboratory diagnosis, prevention and control and communication. The objectives were to i) confirm A.albopictus presence in Lisbon and adjust the risk assessment, ii) raise awareness and prevent mosquitoes’ spread, iii) revise national guidelines on arboviruses surveillance and control. During September-December 2023, the National Network for Vectors Surveillance (REVIVE) and the Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Institute sampled mosquito-prone habitats within 2km-radius of the detection point using QGIS software. They used snowball sampling to identify any new foci. They placed ovitraps for ongoing surveillance and conducted morphological analysis and xenomonitoring for pathogen DNA and RNA detection at the national reference laboratory.

Results
By November 2023, A.albopictus was detected in two new foci. No mosquitoes tested positive for arboviruses, and no autochthonous cases of mosquito-borne diseases were identified. The TF developed national guidelines for vector prevention and control and awareness for arboviruses and trained municipality workers. To raise awareness, we communicated with experts and the public through existing channels and media. As of April 2024, no new foci have been detected.

Lessons
Community-based surveillance and REVIVE approach were crucial for invasive A.albopictus detection and monitoring in Lisbon. Rapid multidisciplinary TF coordination may have been key for timely vector control.
5.E. Round table: Crafting Policies for Health Promotion: evidence from local settings
Authors:   Organised by: WHO Regions for Health Network,   Chair persons: Ana M Carriazo (Spain), Bettina Maria Menne (Italy)
Published: October 2024

Abstract

As communities vary in their needs, challenges, and resources, tailoring health promotion policies to specific contexts becomes imperative for effectiveness. Drawing upon the expertise of seasoned practitioners, policymakers, and researchers, this workshop offers a multifaceted perspective on navigating the complexities inherent in designing, implementing, and evaluating locally tailored health promotion policies, with a specific focus on environmental and social factors. The workshop will make it possible to compare different experiences from various European countries, with high-level speakers who have different backgrounds and roles in their countries and regions, thus providing an interesting and interactive way of comparing and examining real-world examples and best practices. The examples provided delve into: participatory techniques to design healthier environments, to identifying, collecting and elaborating evidence upon which to build policies and actions that are effective in addressing specific health challenges. Through the examples presented, we will seek to make the case for multi-actor and multisectoral collaboration. In addition, we will try to understand How do subnational authorities and partners identify priorities for action. A common question asked to the speakers will therefore: how can a variety of actors (local and regional authorities, university and research centres...) come together to support cross-sectoral action? How can policymakers be supported towards creating environments that prioritize the well-being of all, ensuring a healthier and more prosperous future for everyone? The end goal will be to enable attendees to be equipped with actionable strategies and tools to foster meaningful change within their own communities, by understanding the intricate interplay between community dynamics, stakeholder engagement, evidence-based practices, and policy implementation strategies. The workshop is being organized by the WHO Regions for Health Network (RHN).

Key messages
• Tailoring health promotion policies to specific contexts is imperative for effectiveness, considering the diverse needs, challenges, and resources of different communities.
• Subnational authorities and partners must identify priorities for action and collaborate across sectors to address specific health challenges effectively.

Speakers/Panelists
Klara Dokova
Medical University of Varna, Varna, Bulgaria
Camilla Ihlebaek
Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Aas, Norway
Jo Peden
Public Health Wales, Cardiff, UK
Odile Mekel
NRW Centre for Health, Bochum, Germany
Liesbeth van Holten
Province of Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
5.I. Scientific session: Epidemiological insights into vaccine hesitancy in Europe: building bridges and overcoming barriers
Authors:   Organised by: EUPHA-EPI, -ETH, -IDC, -HTA, Faculty of Public Health (UK),   Chair persons: Chiara de Waure (EUPHA-HTA), Farhang Tahzib (EUPHA-ETH)
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Vaccine hesitancy remains a pivotal challenge in public health, undermining immunization efforts and the containment of infectious diseases across Europe. This scientific session aims to dissect the complex nature of vaccine hesitancy, uncovering epidemiological trends and barriers to vaccine acceptance, particularly in diverse demographic contexts. The objective is to facilitate a comprehensive understanding among public health stakeholders and to foster actionable strategies through enriched dialogue and interaction. This session will delve into recent studies and projects that highlight the variability of vaccine hesitancy within Europe. First, an exploration of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance will reveal how sociodemographic factors influence vaccine-related behaviors across 20 European nations. This will be complemented by an analysis of targeted interventions designed to enhance vaccine uptake among migrant populations, drawing lessons from the RIVER-EU project. Additionally, a focus on national efforts to combat measles vaccine hesitancy will provide a case study on the challenges and successes in altering public health narratives. Based on the feedback received on last year’s session, the format is intended not only to provide a platform to present empirical evidence and insights but also to encourage a participatory environment where attendees can exchange ideas and propose innovative solutions. For this reason, the session will engage the audience through an interactive discussion period at the end of each of the three presentations, stimulating thought-provoking dialogues that could lead to effective and innovative public health practices. Fostering international and interdisciplinary collaboration in the field of vaccine hesitancy is key for continued monitoring and reporting on the vaccine hesitancy phenomenon and inspiring actionable solutions.

Key messages
• Sociodemographic factors are associated with vaccine hesitancy across Europe indicating the potential for targeted strategies.
• A platform to share insights and inspire actionable public health solutions to combat vaccine hesitancy amomg European public health professionals is needed.
Exploring the association between low birthweight and adolescent mental health in the United Kingdom
Authors: Carroll C , Keller M 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Low birthweight (LBW) is associated with a range of medical conditions including behavioural and emotional problems over the life course. This study aimed to explore the association between LBW and internalising and externalising mental health problems (MHP) in adolescents born in the United Kingdom between 2000 and 2002. Data were analysed for 10,485, 9,228, and 8,402 Millennium Cohort Study participants at ages 11, 14 and 17, respectively. Internalising and externalising MHP were measured using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). LBW was subcategorised by size for gestational age and prematurity. Crude and adjusted associations between LBW subgroup and internalising and externalising MHP were estimated using binary logistic regression. Internalising MHP were more prevalent in LBW than NBW participants at ages 11 (14.2% vs 10.3%, p &lt; 0.001), 14 (19.4% vs 13.7%, p &lt; 0.001), and 17 (parent-report: 20.3% vs 14.8%, p &lt; 0.001; self-report: 25.7% vs 20.1%, p &lt; 0.001), respectively. Externalising MHP were more common amongst LBW participants at ages 11 (9.4% vs 7.3%, p = 0.02) and 14 (9.0% vs 6.6%, p = 0.01). Compared with NBW peers, the odds of internalising (males: aOR 2.18, 95% CI 1.21-3.73, p = 0.007; females: aOR 2.17, 95% CI 1.22-3.66, p = 0.005) and externalising MHP (males: aOR 2.01, 95% CI 1.05-3.60, p = 0.014; females: aOR 2.58, 95% CI 1.14-5.24, p = 0.016) were significantly increased in male and female premature small for gestational age (SGA) participants at age 11. Externalising MHP were significantly increased amongst premature SGA females aged 14 (aOR: 2.53, 95% CI 1.01-5.66, p = 0.016). Internalising MHP were significantly increased in premature SGA females at age 17 based on parent (aOR: 2.41, 95% CI 1.38-4.22, p = 0.005) and self-report (aOR: 1.95, 95% CI 1.14-3.31, p = 0.014). Amongst LBW individuals, premature SGA females have the greatest risk of internalising and externalising MHP during adolescence, thus identifying an important target group for intervention.

Key messages
• This study provides evidence for the longitudinal association between low birth weight and mental health in adolescents born in the United Kingdom in the 21st century.
• Stratification of low birth weight individuals by size for gestational age and prematurity enabled the identification of a subgroup of adolescents for mental health promotion.
Trends in the association between alcohol use and generalized anxiety in Finnish adolescents
Authors: Berg N , Kiviruusu O 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
During the past two decades, alcohol use has decreased among adolescents, but on the contrary, anxiety symptoms have increased (at least among females). These diverging trends set interesting opportunities to examine whether the strength of the well-known correlation/co-occurrence between alcohol use and anxiety has also changed. This study aims to examine changes in the co-occurrence and associations between heavy episodic drinking (HED) and generalized anxiety among adolescents in Finland from 2013 to 2023.

Methods
Data from the Finnish School Health Promotion Study between 2013-2023 covered 874 110 participants aged 13-20. Generalized anxiety was measured using Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) (range 0-21), and heavy episodic drinking was measured as reported heavy drunkenness once a month or more often versus less than once a month. Yearly prevalence estimates of co-occurrence were analyzed for those with moderate to severe anxiety symptoms (&gt;10) and monthly or more frequent HED. Associations between anxiety and HED were analyzed using logistic regression and time-varying effect modelling. Interactions between time and anxiety predicting HED were also considered.

Results
The moderate to severe anxiety symptoms increased from 10.7% to 20.9% and HED decreased from 18.0% to 11.8% between 2013 and 2023. The proportion of those with both HED and moderate to severe anxiety increased from 2.9% in 2013 to 3.6% in 2023. The association between anxiety symptoms and HED was stable during the study period, with odds ratios ranging between 1.06 and 1.07.

Conclusions
During the past decade, diverging trends in generalized anxiety symptoms and heavy episodic drinking have not changed the association between them. The proportion of adolescents with these co-occurring health concerns has increased in females. This calls for continuous efforts to strengthen the integration of mental health and substance use prevention and services.

Key messages
• The association between generalized anxiety and heavy episodic drinking has not changed in adolescents in Finland between 2013 and 2023.
• The proportion of those with both moderate to severe anxiety symptoms and heavy episodic drinking has increased in females and remained stable in males during the past decade (2.9% - 3.6%).