bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Co-administration of COVID-19 and flu vaccines in healthcare workers: results from three campaigns
Authors: Pascucci D , Lontano A , Marziali E , Nurchis M C , Vetrugno G , Damiani G , Ricciardi W , Laurenti P 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic, along with seasonal influenza, highlights the need for innovative public health strategies. Co-administering COVID-19 and influenza vaccines offers advantages for healthcare workers (HCWs), streamlining vaccination efforts and enhancing public health resilience. Recent evidence supports the safety and efficacy of this approach, endorsed by health authorities worldwide. However, its acceptance remains a concern. This study explores HCWs’ acceptance of vaccine co-administration in three campaigns post the introduction of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. During three consecutive flu seasons from October 2021 to January 2024, a cross-sectional study was conducted in a large Italian teaching hospital. Data for 2021/2022, 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 were compared, focusing on healthcare workers present in all datasets. McNemar’s test examined changes in acceptance of co-administration. In addition, a conditional logistic regression model was designed to assess the determinants of co-administration through the vaccination campaigns in the three years. During these vaccination campaigns 7457 HCWs were observed (62.78% women, median age 43). Co-administration surged, particularly in 2022/2023, showing a 280.71% increase, consistent across all professional categories (p &lt; 0.001). Controlling for gender and professional category, acceptance of coadministration showed a significant association respectively with “open days” twice a month (OR 2.9 CI [2.7; 3.6]) and a hospital vaccination clinic two days a week on weekdays (OR 4.5 CI [4.1; 5.4]) compared to conducting vaccinations at a clinic open everyday during the campaign period; no association was highlighted with age. This study investigates a facet of an increasingly significant topic, demonstrating that co-administering vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 and influenza is emerging as an effective strategy in annual vaccination campaigns, thanks to its safety and the streamlining of logistical and organizational processes.

Key messages
• The co-administration of vaccines offers a promising strategy to enhance vaccination rates among healthcare workers.
• By identifying factors influencing acceptance, it aims to inform targeted interventions for maximizing vaccine uptake and public health resilience.
Evaluating the psychological antecedents of vaccination in applicants to primary health care centers
Authors: Özbaş C , Tokatlı Doğan M , Baran Aksakal F N 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Vaccine acceptance can be enhanced by understanding the psychological antecedents of vaccination. The 5C model identifies relevant factors: confidence, complacency, constraints, calculation, and collective responsibility. This study aims to evaluate these factors among primary health care center applicants in Ankara.

Methods
A total of 1712 individuals aged 18 and over, who visited primary health care centers, participated in the study. The face-to-face survey included questions about sociodemographic characteristics, Vaccination Psychological Antecedents Scale, individuals’ attitudes and behaviors towards vaccination, and internet usage. Factors with a significance level of p &lt; 0.20 from previous analyses were assessed using multivariate logistic regression analysis. The factors influencing the decision to get vaccinated without hesitation when necessary were investigated.

Results
The likelihood of getting vaccinated without hesitation in necessary situations is higher among those with higher income than expenditure(OR:1,517, 95%CI=1,094-2,104), those without chronic diseases in their family(OR:1,411, 95%CI=1,109-1,795), and those who do not actively use social media(OR:1,380, 95%CI=1,051-1,813). Additionally, an increase in the confidence score(OR:1,276, 95%CI=1,239-1,315) and the collective responsibility score(OR:1,096, 95%CI=1,058-1,134), was associated with an increased likelihood, while an increase in the calculation dimension(OR:0,928, 95%CI=0,895-0,962) was associated with a decreased likelihood.

Conclusions
Income status, presence of chronic illness in the family, active social media usage, confidence, collective responsibility, and calculation are factors influencing vaccine acceptance without hesitation. Communication strategies based on trust and collective responsibility should be developed to improve vaccine acceptance. The risk factors causing vaccine hesitancy among social media users should be investigated, and measures should be taken.

Key messages
• Develop trust-based, collective responsibility-focused communication to boost vaccine acceptance.
• Investigate and address social media-driven vaccine hesitancy.
Risk factors for COVID-19 among healthcare workers: a hospital-based cohort study in Portugal
Authors: Gaio V , Santos A J , Amaral P , Faro Viana J , Antunes I , Paiva A , Henriques C , Melo A , Guiomar R , Machado A 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Healthcare workers (HCWs) have an increased risk of transmitting SARS-CoV-2 infection to frail patients and are also at higher risk of exposure. Hence, it is essential to understand the risk factors for infection of HCWs to limit adverse events occurring in healthcare facilities. This study aimed to identify risk factors for symptomatic COVID-19 infection among HCWs in the hospital context.

Methods
We used data from a hospital-based cohort study followed between December 2020 and January 2022 in three central Portuguese hospitals. Following the study protocol, RT-PCR testing was performed whenever an HCW reported any symptom compatible with COVID-19. Characteristics of infected (at least one positive RT-PCR with symptoms) versus non-infected HCW were compared using the Chi-square test.

Results
A total of 3034 HCWs were followed during 13 months and 533 had a positive test for SARS-CoV-2. A higher percentage (&gt; 40 %) of infections were in individuals without a primary vaccination scheme. Other than age, no differences were found regarding individual characteristics: infected HCWs had a higher percentage of individuals aged 18 to 50 years old compared to the non-infected HCWs (74.7 % versus 66.2 %, p &lt; 0.001). Regarding work functions, no differences were found for self-report of working in direct contact with COVID-19 patients. Additionally, the percentage of HCWs who declared to perform tracheal intubation procedures was similar in infected versus non-infected HCWs (6.2 % versus 8.9 %, p = 0.080).

Conclusions
Infected HCWs were younger than the non-infected. HCWs working in direct contact with patients or performing tracheal intubations didn’t exhibits increased rates of infection suggesting the success of preventive measures and other standard procedures in limiting infection transmission in healthcare facilities.

Key messages
• HCWs working in direct contact with COVID-19 patients or performing tracheal intubations were not the most infected personnel.
• Preventive measures and other standard procedures were successful in limiting COVID-19 infection transmission in healthcare facilities.
Information on HIV and Narration of U=U: a mixed method analysis on social media in Italy
Authors: Casigliani V , Santoro A , Chinelli A , Agostini A , Giupponi G , Zollo F , Tavoschi L 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Media play a pivotal role in disseminating accurate information, particularly regarding U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable), to increase awareness and reduce stigma. This study analyses HIV Italian communication on Facebook and Instagram, with a focus on U=U evidence.

Methods
A mixed-method analysis examined posts on HIV, with linked articles, from Italian news sources from 01/2009 to 04/2023. News sources were categorised as “reliable” or “unreliable” using independent third-party classification. Topic analysis identified the main topics in the posts, while an inductive content analysis was conducted on linked articles regarding U=U. The language and the accuracy in explaining U=U was evaluated through a checklist.

Results
A total of 10,539 Facebook and 749 Instagram posts were analysed, with 716(7%) and 18(2%) from unreliable sources respectively. Reliable and unreliable content surged around World AIDS Day(WAD) on both platforms. On Facebook, the frequency of unreliable content increased over time, whereas on Instagram it was rare and recent. On Facebook, topics varied between reliable and unreliable sources. The 3 most frequent topics from reliable sources were WAD, voluntary HIV spread, and public figures with HIV; those from unreliable sources were Death and Migrant People; Luc Montagnier and COVID-19 Conspiracies; Public Figures with HIV. On Instagram, the first 3 topics were the Italian National Institute of Health and Prevention, WAD, and public figures with HIV. A total of 68 articles nominating U=U were found and analysed, revealing 4 main areas: U=U definition, Prevention, Impact on people living with HIV, and Stigma. The accuracy in explaining U=U was generally low, with 6 articles(8.8%) providing only a definition.

Conclusions
HIV communication in Italy is limited and centered around WAD, with persisting bias. The dissemination of the U=U evidence is lacking. Urgent action is needed to shift the narrative and emphasize this evidence

Key messages
• HIV communication in Italy is limited and concentrated around World AIDS day.
• The U=U evidence is poorly disseminated, often providing only a definition and medical explanation.
Development of Digital Health Gender and Sexual Health Literacy scale
Authors: De Caro W , Di Biagio P , Di Carlo M , Corvo E 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Health literacy, as the ability to obtain, process and understand health information, including gender and sexuality awareness, appears to be underdeveloped in terms of measurement tools and thematic materials. The literature indicates the existence of serious deficits in gender and sexual health literacy at all levels, with implications for relationships with citizens and patients.

Methods
Delphi study agreement was conducted and a pool of potential scale items was generated, reflecting a range of skills and abilities within each domain. Items were carefully worded to ensure clarity, cultural sensitivity and relevance to different gender identities and sexual orientations. Expert review and cognitive pre-testing were employed to refine item wording, assess content validity, and ensure that the 10-item scale was comprehensible and relevant to the target population.

Results
The theoretical development of the 10-item Digital Health Gender and Sexual Health Literacy Scale was successfully completed. The scale items were designed to provide a comprehensive measure of an individual’s ability to navigate the digital landscape for gender and sexual health information.

Conclusions
The theoretical validation of the Digital Health Gender and Sexual Health Literacy Scale (DiGeSHeL) provides the community with a promising tool to assess individuals’ confidence and ability to use digital technologies for sexual health information and resources. However, further research is needed to validate the scale and test its reliability with a diverse group of participants. Once validated, this scale could be a valuable tool for sexual health promotion programmes to identify gaps and evaluate the impact of digital literacy interventions.

Key messages
• Gender and sexual literacy are crucial for health.
• Health literacy as six vital sign.
Navigating Co-design in Children’s Health Literacy Interventions in Schools
Authors: van Boxtel W , Jerković-Ćosić K , Chin A Paw M 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Today’s society exposes children to vast amounts of health-related information, presenting significant challenges in navigating this content. European health literacy (HL) research underscores the primary school’s role in educating children’s HL. Several HL interventions have been developed for a school setting and few have used co-design with adolescents. However less is known about co-designing HL activities with children. Therefore, this study aims to identify barriers and facilitators for co-designing HL activities with 9 to 12-year-old children in school settings. We use 4 phases of design-based research for the process of co-designing learning activities with multiple teams of 6-8 children in school settings. First, children Reflect on HL and empathize and define skills they want to design activities for. They Design activities through ideation and prototyping. We use a variety of creative methods for the sessions and analyses, such as body mapping and affinity mapping. The evaluation of the effectiveness regarding HL and learning outcomes will be performed in Test and Evaluate phases. Our preliminary results show that children need short and clear assignments for the sessions to reach the goals. Children are enthusiastic to participate and like the methods used in the session, although the concept of HL is sometimes difficult to comprehend. It is challenging for children to come up with creative and appropriate elements for activities without correct health information. We are awaiting results from Test and Evaluate phase on the effect on HL levels and learning outcomes. Children are able to co-design HL activities together with HL and health promotion researchers. By giving children a voice and hands-on experience in the design process, we are able to create activities that are suitable for the target population. This co-design process will be evaluated and adapted to an intervention for the “healthy school” program in the Netherlands.

Key messages
• By co-designing HL activities children actively learn about health literacy.
• Children are important and capable co-designers for HL activities when working together with HL researchers.
Stakeholders’ perspectives on informed decision-making for migrant women in CC prevention programs
Authors: Veeravagu T , Hamdiui N , Stein M L , Al-Rubaie N , van Wijk J , Bouman MPA , Crutzen R , Timen A 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
This study gathered the perspectives of stakeholders regarding participation in cervical cancer (CC) screening and human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination among migrant women in the Netherlands. Considering their perspectives by developing interventions that are tailored to migrant women’s information needs regarding CC screening and HPV vaccination will support informed decision-making.

Methods
In total five focus group discussions were held with community leaders, healthcare professionals and communication experts separately. The focus group discussions were transcribed verbatim in Dutch, and analyzed thematically according to the Grounded Theory.

Results
The analysis resulted in six themes. The first theme describes the existing views and misconceptions regarding CC (screening) and HPV vaccination in the target population according to the stakeholders. The second theme is about the current approach of informing about these health programs, and its belonging barriers. Theme three dives into the differences within the target population, such as generations and level of language. Theme four describes the conditions to which interventions should adhere. In theme five and six suggestions for interventions were introduced, focused on the target population and their (social) network respectively.

Conclusions
The results of this study showed that stakeholders are willing to play a role to support informed decision-making regarding CC (screening) and HPV vaccination among migrant women, but they need more training to support. Community leaders express a need for training to gather more medical knowledge of CC and its prevention programs. Healthcare professionals expressed a need for more insight into the practical, cultural, religious and emotional aspects that play a role within this target population. Communication experts emphasize the need for customized information materials and a more district-oriented approach.

Key messages
• Stakeholders operating at different levels are willing to play a role in increasing informed decision-making regarding CC screening and HPV vaccination.
• Migrant women’s (social) network need more training and support to be able to provide tailored information regarding CC screening and HPV vaccination.
Public and professional attitudes to the digitisation of health and social care in Ireland
Authors: Murphy D , Novak I , Hyland D , Burke E , Higgins M , O’Carroll K , Weir L , Flynn R 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The European Commission has set targets for all EU citizens to have access to electronic medical records by 2030. In Ireland the Sláintecare health reform programme has set goals around the use of digital technologies in health and social care. The Health Information and Quality Authority (an independent authority established to drive high-quality and safe care for people using health and social care services in Ireland) in partnership with the Health Service Executive (public healthcare provider) and the Department of Health (Ministry) conducted a National Engagement on Digital Health and Social Care. The aim of this engagement was to understand the opinion, attitudes and comfort levels of the public and professionals working in health and social care around digitisation of health and social care.

Methods
The National Engagement on Digital Health and Social Care used a mixed-method approach to data collection. There were two surveys, a national telephone survey with a representative sample of the public (n = 2009) and an online survey with professionals working in health and social care (n = 1020). There were separate focus groups with professionals and with the public, including representatives of minority groups.

Results
Preliminary results indicate that the public and professionals have positive attitudes to digital health and social care. Of the public surveyed 73% said that they are likely to access their online health record. Professionals feel that when the public have access to information via an online health record they will be better informed about their health (88%). Both the professionals and public feel that it is important to ensure patient choice around the format and delivery of care.

Conclusions
The research provides valuable insights and gives the public and professionals a platform to voice their opinions and have a meaningful impact on how digital health and social care is developed and implemented in Ireland.

Key messages
• This research provides unique insights and a deeper understanding into the attitudes of Irish public and professionals working in health and social care towards digital health.
• Research findings will inform national policy, legislation and recommendations on the use of digital health tools in Ireland.
Nocturnal Artificial Light Exposure in Expectant Mothers and Risk of Congenital Glaucoma
Authors: Kim Y K 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
While the impact of light pollution on human health is gaining recognition, its role in transmitting the effects of maternal exposure to the fetus remains unclear. This study is to investigate the association between exposure to artificial light at night (ALAN) during pregnancy and risk of congenital glaucoma.

Methods
All birth cohorts spanning from 2008 to 2011 in urban areas of South Korea, comprising over 90% of the total population, were identified in the Korean National Health Insurance database. Average levels of ALAN at the residential addresses of mothers during pregnancy were estimated using time-varying satellite data for a composite view of persistent night-time illumination at ∼1 km2 scale.The odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the association between residential ALAN and risk of congenital glaucoma - was computed using logistic regression. These calculations were adjusted for socio-demographic factors and area-level risk factors (night-time traffic noise and particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤ 10 μm).

Results
A total of 745,458 mother-father-child trios (mean [SD] age of the mothers, 32.4 [3.8] years; 387,275 [52.0%] boy) were included in the study. In fully adjusted models, an IQR (21.8 nW/cm2/sr) increase in ALAN level was associated with an OR of 1.12 (95% CI: 1.05, 1.19) for incident congenital glaucoma. The exposure-response curve demonstrated an upward slope with a threshold at approximately 62 nW/cm2/sr.

Conclusions
In this nationwide population-based case-control study, higher levels of residential ALAN during pregnancy were associated with increased risk of congenital glaucoma. Future studies with more detailed information on exposure, individual adaptive behaviors and potential mediators are warranted.

Key messages
• This study indicates an association between elevated levels of ALAN exposure in pregnant women and a heightened risk of congenital glaucoma in their offspring.
• These results are consistent with a growing body of evidence underscoring the detrimental effects of ALAN on health, reinforcing its potential role as a risk factor for congenital glaucoma.
Social Inequalities in mental health service use and perceived helpfulness: A global analysis across 111 countries
Authors: Henking Christoph 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Social inequalities in mental health are evident in the prevalence of mental health problems, but also the utilisation and patents’ perceived benefits of treatment. However, the extent of these disparities on a global scale and whether there are country-level differences in the predictors of mental health service use remain unknown. This study uses data from the Wellcome Global Monitor 2020, a nationally representative survey encompassing 111 countries and 117,088 individuals. We examine the association of socio-economic factors (such as household income and education), psycho-social factors (including stigma perception and trust in health professionals), and country-level variables (such as GDP, Gini coefficient, and health expenditure) with mental health service use and perceived effectiveness of treatment. Multi-level logistic regression models were employed for analysis. The utilisation of mental health professions of people with depression or anxiety symptomology is higher in HICs (predicted probability of 62% CI[0.60 - 0.65]) compared to LIMCs (predicted probability of 33% CI[0.31 - 0.34]). Higher country GDP (OR = 1.26 CI[1.08-1.47]) and health expenditure (OR = 1.11 CI[1.04-1.19] per percentage of health expenditure) are associated with higher treatment utilisation. On the individual level, those in the wealthiest quintile are more likely to engage with mental health professionals (OR = 1.25[1.14-1.36]) and perceive this treatment as highly beneficial (OR = 1.23[1.07-1.40]). Trust in healthcare practitioners and perceived stigma are also associated with mental healthcare use. This analysis shows strong patterns of mental healthcare use and perceived benefits depending on the wealth of the country, health expenditure and individual socio-economic status. Moreover, disparities in treatment utilization and effectiveness are also influenced by trust in healthcare professionals and perceived mental health stigma.