bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measurability of overall health in patients with chronic gastrointestinal disorders
Authors: Lemlijn-Slenter AHWM , Wijnands KAP , van der Hamsvoort G , van Iperen L P , Wolter N , de Rijk A E , Masclee AAM 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Chronic gastrointestinal and hepato-pancreatico-biliary (GI-HPB) patients experience problems in all life areas. The Positive health (PH) concept, based on six different dimensions of health, may hold the answers for a broader understanding of the patients’ well-being.

Aim
To measure the overall health status of GI-HPB patients, according to the PH concept.

Methods
In 2019-2021, patients with GI-HPB attending the outpatient clinic of the Maastricht University Medical Center filled in questionnaires before consultation. The six dimensions of PH (bodily functions, mental well-being, meaningfulness, quality of life, participation, daily functioning) were measured by validated questionnaires (Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale, Short Nutritional Assessment Questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, Short Form-36, Disease Experience Questionnaire, EuroQol-5D-5L). Results were compared to control groups and assessed with McDonald’s Omega, Zero-order Pearson correlations, and t-tests.

Results
The 235 participating patients scored lower on quality of life, participation, and daily functioning than healthy controls (p ≤ 0.001) but similar to those with other chronic conditions. Malnutrition (moderate-severe 45.6%) and depressive/anxious symptoms (35%/21.6%) were higher in the GI-HPB group compared to those with other chronic conditions.

Conclusions
Validated questionnaires addressing the six dimensions of PH showed a significant worse health status compared to controls, and malnutrition and depressive symptoms were higher compared to other patient groups.

Key messages
• GI-HPB patients have a lower quality of life, participate less, and have less daily functioning than healthy controls and higher malnutrition and depression than those with other chronic diseases.
• By using validated questionnaires, an impression of the overall health status of patients can be obtained through the concept of Positive Health.
The burden of psoriasis in Belgium, 2021
Authors: Claerman R , Devleesschauwer B , Nayani S , De Pauw R 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Psoriasis is a common, chronic, inflammatory skin disease with a great impact on healthcare systems. Given the limitations of the currently available burden estimates, estimates of the Belgian national burden of disease study are necessary in order to guide decision-making processes within the health sector. According to the Global Psoriasis Atlas, the prevalence of psoriasis is rising globally. The current study aims to estimate the burden of psoriasis in Belgium using national data. As there is no single comprehensive data source on prevalence of psoriasis in Belgium, a critical appraisal of existing local and national data sources was conducted. We estimated the non-fatal psoriasis burden in terms of years lived with disability (YLD). Estimated prevalence data were combined with disability weights to yield YLDs imposed by psoriasis. Mortality attributable to psoriasis was assumed to be zero, in line with the Global Burden of Disease study (GBD) 2019. We assessed three data sources containing information on existing cases with psoriasis in Belgium. Based on qualitative and quantitative appraisal, a widespread network of general practitioners was identified as the best available national data source. In 2021, the prevalence of psoriasis in Belgium was 2.1%, leading to 13084 DALYs (113 DALYs per 100 000). The burden of psoriasis was in line with national disease burden estimates for bipolar disorder, multiple myeloma, and hearing loss. Our prevalence, YLD, and DALY estimates for psoriasis in Belgium were however lower than those of the GBD study. Psoriasis imposes a non-negligible burden on population health in Belgium, despite it not being a cause of death. Along progression in psoriasis management, objective evaluation of psoriasis burden is critical to track the trends at the population level.

Key messages
• Psoriasis is a common skin disease with a relatively high morbidity burden.
• Information on psoriasis prevalence and burden are crucial for disease management and appropriate health-care planning.
Cancer prevention for homeless people: Qualitative evaluation of the Health Navigator Model
Authors: Schiffler T , Jeleff M , Alhambra-Borrás T , Gawronska J , Rico Varadé M , Gómez Trenado R , Barrio Cortes J , Tabaki I , Moudatsou M , Grabovac I 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
People experiencing homelessness (PEH) face significant barriers when accessing cancer preventive services. The Health Navigator Model (HNM) seeks to address these challenges by improving access and engagement with cancer preventive care through tailored navigation services. This study aimed to explore PEH’s and health navigators’ experiences with the HNM.

Methods
This qualitative evaluation involved semi-structured interviews with a total of 61 PEH receiving the HNM intervention and 11 health navigators across four pilot sites in Austria, Greece, Spain, and the UK. Data were analyzed thematically using a cross-national coding framework.

Results
Following overarching themes were identified: (1) State of health and perception of health of PEH; (2) Experiences and understanding of cancer prevention; (3) Perceived effects of the Health Navigation intervention; (4) Navigators’ experiences with the implementation of the Health Navigation intervention; and (5) Effects of the Health Navigation intervention from the navigator perspective and sustainability of the intervention. Participants reported a general lack of access to healthcare services and low cancer prevention literacy. The HNM intervention led to increased engagement in cancer prevention activities, such as screenings, facilitated by the personalized support from health navigators. Navigators played a crucial role in bridging the gap between PEH and healthcare systems, though challenges such as mistrust and logistical barriers persisted.

Conclusions
The HNM has shown potential in enhancing cancer preventive care access for PEH by providing personalized guidance and support. The navigators’ role was pivotal in overcoming systemic and individual barriers, suggesting the need for integrated services that cater specifically to PEH. Future implementations should consider continuous training for navigators and further integration into local health systems to expand the benefits of the intervention.

Key messages
• The Health Navigator Model effectively enhanced cancer prevention engagement among people experiencing homelessness and empowered them through tailored and person-centered support.
• Health navigators bridged healthcare gaps for people experiencing homelessness, improving their access to cancer preventive care services in their local settings.
Multidisciplinary management of gastroesophageal reflux disease: an italian retrospective study
Authors: Nasi G , Brandimarte G , Pasta A , Pellizzaro F , Marabotto E , Calabrese F , Formisano E , Manes G , Gravina A G , Savarino E V 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Millions of individuals are affected by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) that causes significant discomfort negatively affecting patients’ overall quality of life. For a collaborative approach of continuous improvement in public health we wanted to know the real-world perspectives in the multidisciplinary and multimodal management pathway.

Methods
We aimed to interview a sample of gastroenterologists (GE), primary care physicians (GP), and otolaryngologists (ENT) to investigate the management of the intake and treatment of patients reporting symptoms of GERD. Symptoms were divided into typical and extraesophageal, and their severity and impact on quality of life was explored with the GERD Impact Scale (GSI) and Reflux Symptom Index (RSI).

Results
A total of 6211 patients were analyzed of whom with typical symptoms were 53.5%, while those with extraesophageal symptoms were 46.5%. The latter were more frequently reported by ENT patients (53.6%, p &lt; 0.0001). GSI was highest in patients followed by GE (9 points) and GP (9 points) than ENT specialists (8 points), while the RSI was higher in the ENT group (14.3 ± 6.93) than in the groups of GP and GE, respectively (10.36 ± 6.36 and 10.81 ± 7.30, p &lt; 0.0001). Chest pain had the greatest negative impact on quality of life (p &lt; 0.0001). Of the 3,025 patients who used (proton pump inhibitors) PPIs, non-responders had a lower GSI when treated with a combination of adjunctive drug treatments and bioadhesive compounds, compared with single-component drugs.

Conclusions
The multidisciplinary and multimodal approach to the management pathway of GERD patients reveals variations in patient profiles by physician specialty, directing toward more appropriate and targeted treatments. In addition, the combination of adjunctive drug treatments and bioadhesive compounds appears to be effective in the management of patients refractory to PPIs.

Key messages
• The presentation of GERD symptoms is different in accordance with the physician’s speciality: the patients with GERD referred to a gastroenterologist had more severe disease and poorer quality of life.
• The combination of adjunctive pharmacological treatments and bioadhesive compounds seems to be effective in the management of PPI refractory patients.
Digital Public Health and Digital Health: twins or Neighbors? A data protection perspective
Authors: Macedo Silva A , Ventura M 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Enhancing digital public health (DiPH) terminology may foster a better understanding of the legal framework that grounds the use of personal health data within and outside public health policy and public health systems. Terminology accuracy is, therefore, relevant to understanding the data protection regulations that apply to DiPH interventions. The broader or narrower possibilities for using personal health data in digital health interventions depend on the legal basis that justifies (or not) the access to personal health data, whether inside public health policy or outside (e.g., in private health companies). In the context of digital health policy for DiPH, using personal health data is based on public law, analyzing proportionality, necessity, and the legitimacy of the interest. In contrast, for digital health interventions outside public health policy or in an individual clinical approach (like in digital health), the use of personal health data is based on informed consent. Brazilian data protection law (LGPD) and European GDPR provide the legal basis for public health systems’ use of health data in health policy. As a result, the DiPH approach highlights the relevance of using digital technologies and health data to strengthen public health systems within the platform economy and the context of surveillance capitalism. This presentation will shed light on the expansion of digital technologies and health data in health policy in the face of data science, highlighting the need to delve into the terminology of DiPH, understanding its boundaries and legal differences from its neighbors (not twins) outside health policy. Clarifying the DiPH approach, potentially leading to standards in terminology and embedding a data protection perspective, may maximize the accuracy of the legal justification for personal health data use in health policies. DiPH, therefore, may foster data protection, public health systems, and policies strengthening with health data.
Post-infection symptoms up to 24 months after COVID-19: a matched cohort study in Berlin, Germany
Authors: Meierkord A , Schulze D , Gertler M , Seybold J , Mall M A , Kurth T , Mockenhaupt F P , Theuring S 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Long-term health consequences after mild COVID-19 are not well described. Our aim was to estimate their prevalence and describe the time course of signs and symptoms for a period of up to 24 months after confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Methods
We conducted a cohort study matched for age, sex, and test week among individuals who had attended the public COVID-19 test center at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany. In early 2022, 576 former COVID-19 patients (&gt;95% non-hospitalised) and 302 uninfected individuals responded to a questionnaire on retrospective monthly symptoms since the test date up to 24 months after.

Results
Symptoms compatible with long COVID were present in 42.9% (247/576) of former COVID-19 patients, compared with 21.2% (64/302) in the uninfected group. In former patients, unadjusted odds ratios (OR) were highest for disturbed taste/smell (OR 9.1 [95% CI: 4.0 - 21.1]), memory difficulties (OR 5.1 [95% CI: 2.9 - 8.9]) and shortness of breath at rest (OR 4.5 [95% CI: 1.9 - 10.6]). Whilst in most former COVID-19 patients, symptoms occurred in one coherent period and resolved after a median of 6.5 months, taste/smell disturbance and neurological/cognitive symptoms showed longer times until recovery and 28.7% (31/108) still reported long COVID-compatible symptoms 18 months after initial COVID-19. Factors associated with long COVID-compatible symptoms included hospitalisation (OR 4.2 [95% CI: 1.7 - 10.8], symptomatic COVID-19 infection (OR 3.4 [95% CI: 1.9 - 6.3], low household income (OR 1.8 [95% CI: 1.2 - 2.7], and female sex (OR 1.7 [95% CI: 1.2 - 2.4]).

Conclusions
Post-infection symptoms in mild COVID-19 mostly persist for about half a year, but sometimes longer. Among uninfected individuals who never experienced COVID-19, 21.2% also reported long COVID-compatible symptoms. The current long COVID definition might require revision to prevent misclassification and over-reporting, and to improve diagnosis and prevalence estimates.

Key messages
• A more precise definition of long COVID is needed to prevent over-reporting of symptoms compatible with long COVID, and to improve diagnosis, prevalence estimates and research harmonisation.
• Post-infection symptoms after mild COVID-19 are common, mostly persist for about half a year but sometimes longer for more than 20 months.
Five-year cancer survival rates in Monastir, Tunisia
Authors: Zemni I , Maatouk A , Bennasrallah C , Kacem M , Dhouib W , Abroug H , Ben Fredj M , Bouanene I , Sriha A 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Cancer is a major public health problem worldwide. To the best of our knowledge, there is no Tunisian population-based registry studies investigating cancer survival in Tunisia. The objectives of our study were to estimate the five-year cancer survival rates in the province of Monastir, Tunisia.

Methods
We performed a retrospective cohort study including patients originating from Monastir diagnosed with cancer between 2002 and 2014. Data were collected from the cancer register of the center. Patients were followed until December 2022.

Results
In total, 9318 cancer cases were identified of whom 5741 were included for the survival analysis. The 5-year cancer survival rate, all sites combined, was 46% (95% CI: 45-47.3). Among the 10 most frequent cancer sites in Monastir, cancers having the lowest 5-year survival rates were lung cancer in men (18.2% (95% CI: 15.6-20.7)) and stomach cancer in both sexes (32.1% (95% CI: 23.4-40.7) and 25.3% (95% CI: 16-34.5) in men and women respectively). The cancers with the highest 5-year survival rates among men were skin cancer (other than malignant melanoma) (64% (95% CI: 54.5-73.4)), prostate cancer (59.1% (95% CI:54.7-63.4)) and colon cancer (55.1% (95% CI: 47.7-62.4). In women, cervical cancer (70% (95% CI: 61.8-78.1), skin cancer (other than malignant melanoma) (66.2% (95% CI: 55.1-77.2) and breast cancer (63.8% (95% CI:58.8-67.7)) were those with the highest 5-year survival rates. Patients ≥ 65 years had the lowest 5-year survival rates for almost all cancer sites in both genders.

Conclusions
Our study has shown that cancer survival rates in Tunisia remain low compared to developed countries. The widespread implementation of cancer control programs including healthy lifestyle, education, screening and early detection are urgently needed.

Key messages
• The 5-year cancer survival rate, all sites combined, in Monastir was 46% (95% CI: 45-47.3).
• Cancers with the lowest 5-year survival rates in Monastir were lung cancer in men and stomach cancer in both sexes.
Exploring Sense of Coherence and Death Anxiety among patients with Chronic Illness in Greece
Authors: Papadakaki M , Alexias G , Maniou M , Togas C , Braila E E , Lioliou S , Kounali V , Vagionaki K , Pedioti N , Markakis G 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Chronic illness often brings about existential concerns, including fear of death, which can significantly impact individuals’ well-being. The concept of sense of coherence provides a framework for understanding how individuals perceive and cope with stressors, including those associated with chronic illness.

Purpose
This study investigated the correlation between Sense of Coherence, death anxiety, and chronic illness among Greek patients, aiming to understand how these factors interplay.

Methods
An electronic survey was distributed to chronic illness patients in Greece. Sense of Coherence was measured using the Sense of Coherence scale, while death anxiety was assessed using the Collett-Leste Fear of Death scale. Various chronic conditions were considered, and demographic data were collected.

Results
The final sample consisted of 118 participants (female 79.7%; death anxiety score=mean109.2, Sd = 19.2; sense of coherence score=mean55.12, Sd = 13.61). Women and the age group of 58-65 years presented higher death anxiety score followed by the group of 34-41 years. No differences were found between genders in terms of sense of coherence. The highest coherence was manifested in the age group of 50-57 years and the lowest in the age group of 42-49 years. A significant negative correlation was observed between sense of coherence and fear of death (rs(118)= -.299, p &lt; .01). Further correlation tests were performed between axes of coherence, which indicated a stronger negative correlation in two of the three axes of the sense of coherence (Manageability and Meaningfulness) and among all the axes of fear of death, beyond the first, which concerns the loss of one’s own life.

Conclusions
The study suggests that individuals with a stronger sense of coherence experience lower death anxiety. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for tailored patient interventions and support strategies.

Key messages
• Gender and age-specific variations exist in how people approach and experience disease and mortality.
• Understanding patients’ coping mechanisms and perceptions of illness is important in disease management.
Climate change and its health effects - an optional subject for medical students
Authors: Abram Z 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The Standing Committee of European Doctors urged to include training on the impact of climate change on health for health professionals. Currently, in the curriculum of most medical schools, the health-related impacts of climate change represent a peripheral part. The teaching of health effects of climate change should be made part of the training of health professionals and should be introduced in the curriculum of medical schools. ClimateMed is an Erasmus project that improves the curriculum and expands knowledge about the health effects of climate change at medical universities. The World Café method, based on round table discussions, was applied to assess the needs, summarize the proposals, and develop the necessary strategy. At the same time, a questionnaire was applied to those medical students from UMFST Targu Mureș who chose this subject as an optional subject. Students related the importance of understanding the diseases caused directly or indirectly by climate change, and reported what kind of topics should be included in a new course, in which semester/module and in what format it would be appropriate to teach it. The most frequently reported topics were: excessive heat and heat-related illnesses, extreme weather, vector-borne diseases, food safety, air pollution, and mental health. According to the goals of the project and students’ opinions, since 2023 medical students can choose Climate Change and Health Effects as an elective course. Based on the demand for medical universities to include in their curriculum knowledge related to the health effects of climate change, ClimateMed project can facilitate this integration and can promote the increase of teacher motivation and the development of methodological guidelines for university teachers. The project contributes to the preparation of some educational materials and the introduction of an optional subject in the training curriculum of the students of the Faculty of Medicine, UMFST Targu Mureș.

Key messages
• There must be made efforts to include training on the impact of climate change on health for health professionals, to introduce this subject in the curriculum of medical schools.
• ClimateMed project can facilitate the integration of knowledge about the health effects of climate change into curriculum and can promote the practical use.
Heatwaves, Hospitals, and Health System Resilience in England: A Qualitative Assessment (Summer 2019)
Authors: Brooks K , Landeg O , Kovats S , Sewell M , Oconnell E 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Frequent heatwaves challenge healthcare delivery in England, affecting patient safety and staff welfare. This study addresses the observational gap in how healthcare settings adapt to extreme weather.

Methods
We utilised a qualitative approach, conducting semi-structured interviews with fourteen NHS staff across England to explore experiences during the 2019 summer heatwave. Participants included clinical and non-clinical personnel, providing broad insights into operational challenges and adaptive strategies.

Results
The 2019 heatwave significantly disrupted service delivery, with variable staff awareness of the Heatwave Plan for England affecting responses. Key issues included managing infection control versus electric fan usage, impacting patient and staff comfort and safety. These conditions also led to an increase in hospital admissions.

Conclusions
The findings highlight the need for improved workforce training and strategic planning to enhance resilience to heat-related risks. Further research is essential to develop a comprehensive evidence base on the impacts and costs of heatwaves and to assess the effectiveness of adaptation strategies. This will support national health adaptation planning and emergency response.

Key messages
• Enhanced planning and training are crucial for health system resilience to heatwaves.
• More research is needed to understand heatwave impacts and effective responses.