bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Commuting violence: Social, mental and academic consequences. Is this concept necessary to adopt?
Authors: Hernández Rico M , Villegas Dominguez J E , Ramos Tenorio M P , Vicente Molina F Y , Viñas Dozal J C , Ruiz Garcia F 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Violence has emerged as a pressing public health issue due to its global impact, prompting the need to coin the term ‘commuting violence’ (CV). This term refers to any form of aggression experienced by students traveling from the University to other locations such as their homes or vice versa, considering that this situation could have health and academic consequences for students.

Objectives
To determine the consequences associated with CV in university students.

Methods
A cross-sectional and prospective study was conducted, including students from a Medical School in Veracruz, Mexico, from August to December 2023. Invitations to participate were extended to students of medicine, chiropractic, and radiology technology.

Results
A total of 279 participants with a mean age of 20 (±3.0) years were included. 89.6% of students perceive insecurity on their journey to the university, primarily due to the presence of suspicious individuals (93.9%); 70.6% of participants reported knowing a peer who has experienced CV, leading them to avoid certain streets (92.5%) to avoid it. Insecurity felt on the journey home from school showed a significant association (OR/CI95%) for anxiety due to JV of (7.2/3.2-16), stress due to CV of (11.1/4.74-25.9), and paranoia due to CV of (4.48/2.02-9.92). A total of 140 (50.2%) students reported experiencing CV, with the most frequent manifestations being sexual harassment (79.3%) and verbal harassment (57.8%), as well as two (1.4%) attempted rapes. Experiencing CV was positively associated with students avoiding class schedules before 8:00 a.m. (3.6/1.69-7.63) and after 6:00 p.m. (4.6/1.7-11.94), as well as absenteeism (7.37/2.51-21.67) and thoughts of dropping out (12.9/2.75-60.36) (p &lt; 0.05).

Conclusions
PV is a relevant situation that exists within the well-being of students, impacting them both in anticipation and when faced with it. The concept of CV should be considered for use in future research.

Key messages
• We propose the concept of Commuting violence as an element to be taken into account since it has been demonstrated that this situation interferes with the academic activity of the students.
• Commuting violence occurs during academic activities, so universities should propose actions to make students feel safe on their daily journey to the university.
An action plan to improve organizational health literacy in hospitals in the Czech Republic
Authors: Šteflová A , Dudra J , Struk P , Homolacova H , Kopalova H , Ripa L , Kucera Z 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The National Institute for Health Literacy conducted in 2023 as part of the M-POHL network and in close collaboration with the team of the Klaudian Hospital a survey on the level of organizational health literacy using the OHL-Hos tool. The OHL-Hos tool was proven by the project implementation team as suitable for initiating and monitoring organizational change.

Methods
Based on the self-assessment and the results of the consensus workshop, the project implementation team identified development priorities that were submitted and approved by the hospital management. To keep the sustainability of the implementation, the hospital management decided to formulate an action plan, with the time horizon 2025.

Results
The proposed action plan, approved by hospital management, focuses on feasible measures within a given time horizon. For each development goal, responsible teams, time frames, and expected results were formulated. The implementation project team evaluated as the most innovative standard the standard dealing with internal communication with patients and their family after discharge and thus to ensure the continuity in supporting personal health literacy of patients and relatives. In addition, as further important standards, easy navigation and access to documents, materials, and services for patients and healthcare professionals were recognized. Interventions focusing on public education, especially for children and students of all school levels, have been proposed to enhance external communication and increase health knowledge in the region.

Conclusions
The process of regular OHL assessment of set up measures has been considered as a way how to ensure the long-term fulfilment of the newly adopted action plan by the hospital.
The Contrasting Risk Communication Strategies of European Leaders during the COVID-19 Crisis
Authors: Moriarty S 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

COVID-19 brought the role of leaders under intense scrutiny; their communication and framing of the crisis was crucial during the initial period of uncertainty. UK prime minister Boris Johnson and German chancellor Angela Merkel, managed and communicated the first wave of the crisis (March-June 2020) very differently. The clear contrast between pandemic response in two countries, with similar population sizes, wealth, and exposure to COVID-19, provides a lens through which to reflect on the different risk communication strategies utilized by both leaders. Following a grounded theory approach, the communication strategies of both leaders were examined. Transcripts from 31 press conferences from the initial announcement of COVID-19 to the end of the first wave were examined, and key themes identified. The analysis was framed using the CDC’s Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication lifecycle model, allowing for a structured comparison across different phases of the crisis. The findings were examined through the broader socio-political context of their communication. Similar themes were present in both leaders’ speeches, this included a focus on national identity; national strategy; health situation and social solidarity. However, they did so in markedly different ways. Merkel’s consistent, evidence-based communication strategy was more closely aligned with risk communication best practice compared to Johnson’s initial populist approach, which ultimately required a significant mid-crisis adjustment. Their different approaches also reflect their personas as political figures.

Key messages
• The consistent, science-based communication strategies exemplified by Merkel closely followed risk communication best practice and is likely enhanced public compliance and trust during the crisis.
• These finding demonstrate the importance of incorporating a political lens to understand leaders approaches to risk communication and in public health research more broadly.
From hesitancy to decision: shifts from intentions to uptake of Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines
Authors: Moura S , Guerreiro J , Romano S , Paulino E , Rodrigues A 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Vaccine hesitancy is context-related and risks coverage. In a context of growing hesitancy, this study aims to characterize and identify factors underlying shifts in Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines intention and uptake.

Methods
Questionnaires were administered to a random sample of the 60+ years old Portuguese population (n = 1400), before (Q1) and at the end of the campaign (Q2). Sociodemographic, clinical data and intention to Influenza/COVID-19 vaccine uptake, using a Likert-scale (0-2: refusal; 3-7: hesitancy; 8-10: acceptance), were assessed on Q1. On Q2, self-reported vaccination status and motives. A logistic regression was performed to identify underlying factors.

Results
COVID-19 vaccine: 26.2% of those reporting acceptance went for non-uptake (214/818), stating low susceptibility/severity and fear of side effects. Factors associated were not having chronic disease (OR 2.07, p&lt;.05) and age 60-64 (OR 4.16, p&lt;.05). 25.5% of those who refuse went for vaccine uptake (27/106), stating self-initiative. Age 65 + (OR 43.82, p&lt;.05) was associated with the shift; 56.4% of the hesitant individuals went for non-uptake (154/273). Higher education associates with non-uptake (OR 0.53, p&lt;.05). Influenza vaccine: 11.5% of reported acceptance went for non-uptake (100/873), stating low susceptibility/severity. Associated factors were age 60-64 (OR 5.85, p&lt;.05), not having chronic diseases (OR 2.64, p&lt;.05) and living alone (OR 2.34, p&lt;.05). 23.4% of those refusing decided for vaccine uptake (29/124), stating self-initiative/risk awareness. Associated factor was age 60-64 (OR 6.41, p&lt;.05). 69.5% of hesitancy went for uptake (139/200). Chronic disease associates with non-uptake (OR 0.26, p&lt;.05).

Conclusions
Intention is a good predictor but not decisive for uptake. This research provides better understanding of shifts in intention versus vaccine uptake, as well as factors and motives for hesitancy, allowing more robust interventions ahead of a vaccination campaign.

Key messages
• For the Influenza vaccine, 13% of individuals reporting acceptance or refusal changed their mind. From the group reporting hesitancy, 70% decided for vaccine uptake.
• For the COVID-19 vaccine, 26% of individuals reporting acceptance or refusal changed their mind. From the group reporting hesitancy, 56% decided for non-vaccine uptake.
Home-based nursing care for clients carrying multidrug-resistant organisms: a focus group study
Authors: Langeveld TJC , Haverkate M , de Haan F , Eilers R , Timen A 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The growing population of vulnerable clients receiving home-based nursing care, combined with the worldwide increase in the prevalence of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), poses a new burden on nursing staff. This study aimed to gain insight into the experiences, attitudes, perceptions, dilemmas in daily practice and needs of nursing staff providing home-based nursing care for clients carrying MDROs.

Methods
Seven focus group discussions with home-based nursing staff (N = 34) were performed in the Netherlands between April and July 2022, using a semi-structured, open-ended topic list based on the I-change model and seven domains synthesized by Flottorp et al. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results
Home-based nursing staff often considered infection prevention and control recommendations inconsistent, unclear or inapplicable in daily practice. Although participants acknowledged the importance of these precaution measures, their proportionality was sometimes questioned. Participants indicated to be influenced by perceptions, knowledge and behaviour of their colleagues and clients. In addition, they frequently experienced untimely, incomplete or inconspicuous information transfers about clients carrying MDROs. Concerns were expressed that clients were often insufficiently informed, debating the roles and responsibilities of involved healthcare professionals in providing and exchanging information. Finally, participants elaborated on the effect of the covid-19 pandemic and expressed the need for organisational support in providing education and sufficient resources regarding MDROs.

Conclusions
Insights of this study have aided in aligning upcoming MDRO guidelines for home-based nursing care in the Netherlands. Organisational support in expanding knowledge and providing sufficient resources is essential and clarity about roles and responsibilities of involved healthcare professionals regarding information transfer and informing patients is needed.

Key messages
• Expanding knowledge, sufficient resources and adequate information transfer about MDRO carriage are essential to ultimately prevent transmission and spread of MDROs.
• The specific context of home-based nursing care for clients carrying MDROs should be acknowledged in MDRO guidelines.
A mixed method approach to evaluate a vaccine hesitancy assessment among parents in Dutch language
Authors: Bussink-Voorend D , Hautvast JLA , Wiersma T , Akkermans R , Hulscher MEJL 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Vaccine hesitancy (VH), as a driver for falling vaccine uptake rates, is a significant public health challenge. It is important to monitor this phenomenon and compare results in a unambiguous manner. However, in Dutch and possibly other languages, there is no unequivocal translation for VH. Therefore, we aimed to develop and cross culturally validate a method to assess VH in a simple and self-reported manner, using five differently worded alternatives reflecting ‘doubt’, ‘reluctance’, ‘uncertainty’, ‘concerned’ and ‘indecision’. We designed a mixed method study with a quantitative and qualitative evaluation. In the quantitative evaluation, parents were asked to rate experienced vaccine hesitancy in their decision about vaccinations on a 10-item Likert scale, using the five differently worded alternatives. We analyzed internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha and correlation with the short parental attitudes about childhood vaccination (PACV-5) scale. A total of 532 parents participated in the survey. We found that the five worded alternatives measured the same construct, indicated by a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.95. The wording resembling ‘doubt’ had the highest correlation with the PACV score (coefficient -0.525, p &lt; 0.001). We subsequently conducted cognitive interviews with 12 parents with lower education levels to evaluate their interpretation of the five wording alternatives and the comprehensibility of the question itself. The wordings resembling ‘doubt’ and ‘uncertainty’ were viewed as most clear and reflecting VH, although some participants had a negative association with ‘uncertainty’. Overall, the question was well understood and minor suggestions were provided to improve comprehensibility. Based on the integrated results of both studies, we conclude that using the word resembling ‘doubt’ in Dutch language is the best instrument to assess VH. We encourage uniform translation of vaccine hesitancy in other languages to enable comparison of results across countries.

Key messages
• Uniform translation of the term vaccine hesitancy in other language is important to enable comparison of results across countries.
• In Dutch language, the word resembling ‘doubt’ is the best instrument to assess vaccine hesitancy.
Association between dietary supplements and frailty by sex: a cross-sectional study in South Korea
Authors: Kim H J , Suh H S , Lee E 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Evidence regarding the benefits of dietary supplements against frailty is lacking. Therefore, we aimed to examine the association between the use of dietary supplements and frailty. The analyses were stratified by sex to consider the sexual dimorphism in frailty.

Methods
This study used national, cross-sectional survey data from South Korea, namely the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES, 2018-2020). Adults aged 50 years were included. Data for up to four supplements were collected for each participant. A 46-item frailty index was constructed to assess frailty. All percentages (%) were weighted to represent the national population. The association between the use of dietary supplements and frailty was investigated using a linear regression analysis with socioeconomic/lifestyle factors and the amount of nutrient intake from diet included as covariates.

Results
Of the included 27,384 older adults, 57.28% were women. The proportion of supplement users was significantly higher in women (64.31% vs. 77.71%, p &lt; 0.001). Any supplement use was negatively associated with frailty (B = -0.015, p &lt; 0.001), and the association was more significant in women (Any supplement use * women: B = -0.012, p = 0.002). From the multivariable regression analysis stratified by sex, the use of red ginseng (men: B = -0.019, women: B = -0.015) and calcium (B = -0.027, women: B = -0.012) were negatively associated with frailty in both sexes while the statistical significance for vitamin C was found only in men (B = -0.020) (all p &lt; 0.05).

Conclusions
Our findings demonstrated a significant negative association between the use of dietary supplements and frailty. The associations varied by type of supplements and by sex. The findings should be validated using prospective data.

Key messages
• Red ginseng and calcium supplements were negatively associated with frailty in both sexes.
• We assessed frailty using frailty index which highlights the potential role of dietary supplements beyond the context of physical or musculoskeletal function.
Designing infographics in health research with patients and the public: A scoping review
Authors: Sharma S , Dhaliwal G , Dore L , Goulao B , Jalali A , Salsberg J , Hannigan A 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Patient and public involvement (PPI) in health research is increasing, in recognition for its potential to enhance the quality and relevance of research. To date, there has been no comprehensive review of the literature on the design of infographics with patients and the public in health research. This scoping review aims to explore the extent and nature of PPI in the design of infographics, a commonly used tool for communicating complex health information to diverse audiences. The review used Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework by Levac et al. Comprehensive searches were carried out in the following databases: Scopus, PubMed Central, Web of Science, EMBASE, CINAHL Complete, PsychINFO, and Cochrane Library. Identified citations were exported to Endnote and imported into Rayyan software for title and abstract screening. Preliminary results report a total of 738 citations imported, out of which 364 duplicates were removed and 374 citations underwent title and abstract screening. Of these, 80 citations were relevant for full-text review. Two independent reviewers evaluated full texts, resolving discrepancies through discussion or by a third reviewer. 62 studies were included in the review. Relevant data was extracted, and numeric and narrative analyses were performed to synthesize findings across included studies. The review found growing interest in PPI for health infographic design, using diverse approaches to engage patients and the public at various design stages. A wide variety of health topics were represented including disease specific topics, pain and weight gain. Common themes identified included the importance of accessibility, clarity, and cultural sensitivity in infographic development, as well as challenges related to generalisability, social desirability bias and ensuring meaningful involvement. This review offers insights and suggests further research and practice in leveraging PPI to optimize the design and impact of health infographics.

Key messages
• Growing Interest and Importance of Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) in Health Research Design.
• Challenges and Opportunities in Infographic Design for Health Communication.
Adolescent mental health literacy and help-seeking behaviours. Cross-Sectional survey in Barcelona
Authors: Boixadós Anglès M , Hernández Encuentra E , Casañas Sánchez R , Martín Fernández J , Lalueza Bosch F , Merino Rubio L 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Adolescents’ mental health information and help-seeking is critical for preventing the development of mental disorders. This study aims to examine the relationship between mental health literacy and information and help-seeking behaviours, as well as the effects of age and gender.

Methods
A cross-sectional online survey on a representative sample of 2,240 secondary school students in Barcelona from 11 randomly selected schools. Participants are evenly distributed by age (25% each course) and gender.

Results
Most adolescents show good recognition of mental disorders and knowledge of mental health (M = 6.39/10; SD = 1.97 and M = 7.75/10; SD = 1.21 respectively). They report having good literacy (M = 3.25/5; SD = 0.71) to search and manage online health information (eHealth literacy), and around half of them affirm having enough knowledge about mental health for them. Search engines (35.7%) and talking to family/friends (31.8%) are preferred for mental health information-seeking, but 19.8% chose not to engage in active information-seeking behaviour. When having mental health concerns, they prefer seeking help (“I would not ask for help” M = 2.4/7; SD = 1.93), and turning to family (M = 4.7/7; SD = 2.4) and friends (M = 4/7; SD = 2.1), instead of health professionals (M = 2.5/7; SD = 3.5). Chi-square test reveals that: lower recognition of mental disorders is associated with not help-seeking; lower mental health knowledge is associated with beliefs that information for mental health promotion, prevention, and care is unnecessary; and higher eHealth literacy is related to information searching in social media, but not to active searching. The ANOVA test reveals a significant gender-age interaction in certain variables, particularly in the recognition of mental disorders, which is higher in girls and increases with age.

Conclusions
Higher eHealth literacy is related to information-seeking on social media, but not to active search. Girls have a higher level of recognition of mental disorders.

Key messages
• Adolescents need a support network to seek mental health help, as they often avoid seeking professional help.
• Mental health promotion activities would benefit from further exploration of gender differences.
Evaluating mental health care initiatives after Ghana’s mental health act: a systematic analysis
Authors: Rizzieri M , Hannawa A 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Mental health disorders affect 970 million people worldwide. Particularly in Africa, mental health is a growing concern, as it faces poverty and limited healthcare services. The Ghana Mental Health Act (GMHA 2012) marked a significant milestone in the development of a legislative framework supporting the provision of mental healthcare. However, evidence of progress since then is scarce. This systematic review examines the mental health initiatives that have been implemented since GMHA. Bronfenbrenner’s Socio-Ecological and Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory are used as frameworks to organize the interventions by ecological layers and cultural practices. All peer-reviewed articles published since the GMHA were retrieved from PubMed, Cochrane and Science Direct, using “mental health interventions,” “-collaborations,” “-health programs” and “Ghana” as keywords. The search yielded 3839 articles. Next, publications that were not conducted in Ghana or did not focus on mental health were excluded yielding a final sample of 69 articles for the review. Consistent with the GMHA’s guidelines interventions were conducted in communities (n = 56; 81%) rather than hospitals (n = 13; 19%). Most of them focused on institutional ecological levels (i.e., schools, health centers, traditional healing conventions; n = 29; 42%), followed by interpersonal (n = 14; 20%) and community-level (n = 14; 20%) approaches. Half (n = 33; 48%) entailed some form of cultural responsiveness, such as adapting educational tools to cultural contexts or accounting for spiritual beliefs. Only 23% (n = 16) of the interventions targeted children or adolescents. The findings of this review suggest three implications for future mental health research. First, stigma reduction and mental health literacy need to become a stronger focus. Second, research on children and adolescents needs to be increased. Third, interventions led by European partners must be tailored carefully to the Ghanaian beliefs system.

Key messages
• Assessing the community-based approach of mental health interventions following the Mental Health Act’s legalization in Ghana.
• European partners need to understand the context and the local culture before planning to research or implement intervention materials. Adaptation is key in the effectiveness of the intervention.