bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between body mass index and mental health status among community-dwelling older adults
Authors: Nien Y H , Hsiao C F , Wu Y Z , Hsieh H L , Tseng C H , Chou Y C 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Maintaining a better physical and mental health status is an important issue for older adults in their later life. Although obesity has been suggested to reduce the risk of mood disorders in older adults, the findings are controversial. Thus, we aimed to investigate the association between body mass index (BMI) and mental health status among older adults in Taipei City and to elucidate risk factors contributing to mood disorders.

Methods
The elderly health examination database was obtained from the Department of Health, Taipei City government, from 2005 to 2016. A total of 80,121 older adults underwent at least two publicly funded health examinations, with 398,416 visits. We used the Brief Symptom Rating Scale (BSRS-5) questionnaire to estimated relative risks among potential risk factors with the generalized estimating equations (GEE) model to measure the mental health status of older adults. Mood disorders were defined as a score of ≥ 6 on BSRS-5. BMI, age, education level, gender, living alone, income status, number of chronic diseases, smoking, drinking, and exercise were included as covariates.

Results
Older adults who are overweight or obese have a lower risk for mood disorders (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.82; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.79 - 0.85), while those underweight have a higher risk (OR = 1.31; 95% CI = 1.21 - 1.41). Other results show that being male (OR = 0.66; 95% CI = 0.63 - 0.69), higher education (OR = 0.72; 95% CI = 0.69 - 0.75), and have exercise habits (OR = 0.73; 95% CI = 0.70 - 0.76) were all positively correlated with better emotional status. However, low income (OR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.14 - 1.35) and having more chronic diseases (OR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.87 - 2.11) were all correlated with poor mental status among older adults.

Conclusions
Keeping an appropriate weight or even being overweight might be beneficial for older adults. In addition, encouraging older adults to maintain exercise habits can also help improve mood disorders.

Key messages
• Keeping an appropriate weight or even being overweight might be beneficial for older adults.
• Encouraging the elderly to maintain exercise habits can also help improve mood disorders.
The trends of arterial hypertension and ischemic heart disease in Lithuanian population (1983-2023)
Authors: Radisauskas R , Luksiene D , Kranciukaite-Butylkiniene D , Sileikiene L , Tamosiunas A 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
During the past two decades, in Lithuania, the morbidity and mortality from circulatory system diseases such as ischemic heart disease (IHD) have been increasing. The increasing incidence of IHD can be linked to the IHD prevention program implemented in Lithuania, which was launched in 2005. This study aimed to determine and evaluate the prevalence of IHD, their risk factors, and trends among middle-aged (45-64 years) urban males and females in Lithuania over the last 40 years.

Methods
During our study, the changes in the prevalence of arterial hypertension (AH) and IHD, among Kaunas city inhabitants aged 45-64 years in six population-based cohorts (1982-1983 (n = 1660), 1986-1987 (n = 1152), 1992-1993 (n = 824), 2001-2002 (n = 978), 2006-2008 (n = 4604) and 2023 (n = 554)) were analyzed. AH was defined when the arterial blood pressure was ≥140/90 mmHg or a person had taken antihypertensive drugs during 2 weeks. IHD was defined when a person had a previous myocardial infarction (MI) and/or ischemic changes on electrocardiogram (ECG) were assessed by Minnesota codes. The prevalence of AH and IHD changes were evaluated using regression analysis.

Results
During 1983-2023, the prevalence of AH among males aged 45-64 significantly increased from 58.7% (1982-1983) to 72.7% (2023) (p = 0.04), but among females aged 45-64 the prevalence of AH tended to decrease from 63.0% (1982-1983) to 50.9% (2023) (p = 0.18). The prevalence of IHD among males aged 45-64 was without significant changes and was from 14.4% (1982-1983) to 13.6% (2023) (p = 0.7), but among females aged 45-64 the prevalence of IHD significantly decreased from 21.7% (1982-1983) to 16.6% (2023) (p = 0.04).

Conclusions
From 1983 to 2023, among Lithuanian middle-aged urban males, the prevalence of AH significantly increased, but the prevalence of IHD was stable, meanwhile, among Lithuanian middle-aged urban females the prevalence of AH tended to decrease, but the prevalence of IHD significantly decreased.

Key messages
• From 1983 to 2023, among Lithuanian middle-aged urban males, the prevalence of AH significantly increased, meanwhile among females - tended to decrease.
• Over 40 years, the prevalence of IHD among Lithuanian males was without significant changes, but among females - significant decreased.
Regional deprivation and suicide mortality in Germany
Authors: Belau M 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Regional deprivation has been shown to be an important determinant of suicide risk. However, little is known about regional differences in suicide mortality in Germany.

Methods
Data from cause of death statistics (2015 to 2021) were analyzed. Regression analysis for data with negative binomial distribution was used to examine the association between the German Index of Multiple Deprivation 2015, covering 401 districts and district-free cities in Germany, and suicide mortality.

Results
The adjusted rate ratio for suicide in the most deprived deprivation area compared to the least deprived area was 1.18 (95% CI [1.72, 2.00]). A sensitivity analysis shows similar rate ratios for men (1.99 (95% CI [1.80, 2.18])) and women (1.69 (95% CI [1.49, 1.92])), but a higher rate ratio for rural areas (2.29 (95% CI [2.04, 2.57])) compared with urban areas (1.51 (95% CI [1.36, 1.68])).

Conclusions
The findings suggest that regional deprivation is associated with suicide mortality, and call for a more targeted approach to suicide prevention in deprived regions.

Key messages
• Study reveals higher suicide rates in deprived regions in Germany.
• Study calls for tailored prevention strategies to address this disparity.
Integrated sentinel surveillance of influenza, SARS-CoV-2, RSV and respiratory viruses in Serbia
Authors: Dimitrijevic D , Jovanovic V , Milinkovic M , Protic J , Grego E , Maris S 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Integrated sentinel SARI surveillance of influenza, SARS -CoV-2 and RSV has been established in Serbia since 2021-2022 influenza season. Nine sentinel hospitals in 3 cities participated in the SARI surveillance system. The aim of this study is to provide a review of integrated sentinel surveillance of SARI in Serbia in 2023-2024 influenza season, from October 2023 to April 2024.

Methods
On a weekly basis, both epidemiological and virological data were collected. Surveillance is be conducted year-round. Specimens were tested for influenza, SARS-CoV-2,RSV and other respiratory viruses. Respiratory disease wards, intensive care units (ICUs) and pediatric wards were all represented. Real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used.

Results
From October 2023 to April 2024, a total of 1571 SARI cases were reported with 100% recorded age. Of these, 35% were 0-4 years old, 16% were 5-14, 6% were 15-29, 14% were 30-64, 18% were 65-79 and 11% were 80+. Among these cases, 1002 (64%) respiratory specimens were collected. The number of positive samples for influenza was 294 (29%). The positivity rate was 10% for SARS-CoV-2 and 19 % for RSV. The highest proportion of laboratory-confirmed influenza cases was 67% in week 04/2023. Then above 50% in week 05/2023 and 06/2023. Type A viruses was predominated, accounting for 97% of all influenza SARI detections. Activity was dominated by A(H3) with 42% positivity rate. Also, collected swabs were tested for rhinoviruses, positivity rate was 26%, for adenoviruses, 12%, for human metapneumovirus, 7% and for parainfluenza 3 viruses, 4%.

Conclusions
Sustaining and intensified effective integrated surveillance for influenza, SARS-CoV-2,RSV and other respiratory viruses in Serbia is the priority especially in the frame of International Health Regulations. In this way, we improve national capacity for preparedness and emergency response to national and cross-border public health threats.

Key messages
• Building and maintaining integrated respiratory surveillance that can rapidly integrate the surveillance of a new viruses is crucial.
• Establishing well structured surveillance of severe acute respiratory infections, strengthening and expanding respiratory viral surveillance is one the base pillars preparation for future pandemics.
Using Social Network Analysis during COVID-19 contact tracing in Libya, 2020
Authors: Gebril J , Danis K , Emahbes T , Aqeehal H , Alarbi A , Ahlab H 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Social network analysis (SNA) may provide valuable insights into individual-level transmission dynamics, allowing for targeted contact tracing interventions. We used SNA to understand the variability in SARS-CoV-2 transmission at the case level during the first wave in Libya.

Methods
We analyzed the spread of COVID-19 in Libya from March to August 2020 using contact tracing data from 287 confirmed cases. We created a network to visualize the transmission patterns, representing each case as a node and connections as links. We focused on direct contacts identified through contact tracing and calculated network measures such as out-degree centrality, in-degree centrality, and betweenness centrality. Gephi software was used for data visualization and understanding the network structure.

Results
Of the 287 COVID-19 cases, 264 (92%) had nodes with zero outdegrees, indicating that they did not contribute to infection transmission. The remaining 23 (8%) had non-zero out-degree measures and transmitter infection to other cases, 10 (4%) of whom were super-spreaders (outdegree≥5) causing 70% of the transmission. Six (2%) had no epidemiological contact, indicated by zero in-degree centrality measures; 63% had zero betweenness centrality measures, suggesting they did not act as intermediaries connecting separate transmission chains within the network. The network contained nine clusters of connected nodes, with the largest having 91 (24%) cases; the mean path length between cases was 1.846, and the network diameter was 4.

Conclusions
The study revealed distinct clusters of connected cases, along with the presence of super-spreaders. This network structure underscores the critical role of early identification and isolation of individuals with high transmission potential to effectively contain outbreaks. This revised conclusion directly references the findings of nine clusters and super-spreaders, demonstrating how these results support the importance of early intervention.

Key messages
• Social network analysis identifies clusters and super-spreaders in COVID-19 transmission, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions.
• Connected clusters and super-spreaders highlight the importance of contact tracing and early isolation for effective control of COVID-19 outbreaks.
Breast implant illness in women with implant-based reconstruction after breast cancer
Authors: Lieffering A S , Hommes J E , van der Hulst RRWJ , Rakhorst H A , Verheij R A , Mureau MAM , Ramerman L 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
This study investigated the association between silicone breast implants and health symptoms (Breast Implant Illness (BII)) in women with implant-based breast reconstruction after breast cancer. While there is increasing evidence of an association with BII in cosmetic breast augmentation cases, for women with implant-based breast reconstruction this is unknown.

Methods
Retrospective cohort study of 254 women who underwent implant-based reconstruction after breast cancer and a control group of 487 women who underwent breast-conserving therapy or simple mastectomy. We linked Dutch Breast Implant Registry data (2015-2019) and general practice electronic health records data (2014-2022) to study the occurrence of thirteen BII-related health symptoms in general practice and the number of consultations for these symptoms one year before to three years after breast surgery.

Results
Over the three years following implantation, no significant differences in symptom occurrence were observed compared to both the year before implantation and the control group. Women with breast implants did not have more consultations compared to the control group during follow-up. However, there was an increased likelihood of multiple consultations in the first and second years post-implantation compared to before implantation (≥3 consultations first year OR = 2.10, p = 0.005; second year OR = 1.70, p = 0.048; ≥5 consultations first year OR = 2.57, p = 0.02).

Conclusions
This study found no evidence for BII in women with implant-based reconstruction after breast cancer. Despite certain limitations in examining BII in this specific patient group, these findings add valuable information to the decision-making process of breast cancer patients considering reconstructive options.

Key messages
• This is the first study on BII that focused solely on women with breast implants for reconstruction after breast cancer.
• No evidence of BII was found in this patient group.
Unequal effects of adolescent health behaviors on adult cardiometabolic conditions: a cohort study
Authors: Noor N , Jackisch J , Chiolero A , Harris K M , Carmeli C 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Health behaviors in adolescence could have a life-long effect on cardiometabolic health and differ by parental socioeconomic conditions. Adopting a life course perspective and a causal inference framework, we aimed to quantify the differential effect of adolescent unhealthy behaviors on adult cardiometabolic conditions by parental financial situation.

Methods
Using the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health in the United States (n = 3,772), we estimated conditional causal effect by parental financial situation through inverse probability-weighted marginal structural models. Exposures were adolescent health behaviors (dietary habits, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption and physical activity) and the effect modifier was parental financial situation (difficulty paying bills vs. no difficulty), both measured at ages 12-19 (1994-1995). Outcomes were cardiometabolic conditions (hypertension, stroke, cardiac failure, diabetes, chronic kidney disease), measured at ages 33 - 43 (2016-2018) using biomarkers and self-reports.

Results
There were 1,206 participants with cardiometabolic conditions after 20 years of follow-up. Alcohol consumption among adolescents with parental financial difficulty led to 325 more cardiometabolic cases (95% confidence interval: 2 - 647) compared to alcohol consumption by their peers without financial difficulty. This differential effect is driven more by cardiovascular conditions (hypertension, stroke, or cardiac failure) than by metabolic conditions (diabetes or chronic kidney disease). There were no differential effects of dietary habits, cigarette smoking and physical inactivity on the occurrence of adult cardiometabolic conditions.

Conclusions
Public health initiatives targeting alcohol consumption during adolescence could mitigate socioeconomic inequalities in adult cardiometabolic conditions.

Key messages
• Socioeconomically disadvantaged adolescents are more susceptible to the long-term detrimental health effects of alcohol consumption.
• These susceptible groups may need targeted interventions to mitigate the cardiometabolic effect of alcohol consumption.
3.G. Scientific session: Making WHO European Region the Healthiest Online Environment for children: Restrict harmful marketing
Authors:   Organised by: WHO/Europe, EUPHA, Joint Action Prevent Non-Communicable Diseases and Cancer,   Chair persons: Kremlin Wickramasinghe (Denmark), Amandine Garde (EUPHA-LAW)
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Children spend a significant amount of their time daily on digital devices using online services. While this can bring many advantages and benefits, it also entails dangers if not the online environment is not effectively regulated. Exposure to marketing of harmful products and services, particularly towards children, remains a pervasive challenge, despite the extensive evidence base documenting its negative impacts. This session will give an overview of integrating behavioural sciences with public health which suggested promising avenues for addressing the complexities of harmful digital marketing to children. Additionally, current tools developed by WHO Regional Office for Europe and Joint Actions, which Member States can use to address novel challenges like brand marketing will be presented. The tools help to map, monitor and regulate the digital marketing exposure of unhealthy foods and brands to children in their country. One focus will be on the need to objective monitoring of marketing exposure to inform policies and ensure that they are fit for purpose. This is particularly challenging, as traditional monitoring tools struggle to keep up with automated, targeted and personalized advertisements. Due to the complexity to successfully restrict marketing exposure to children, strong collaborations are needed. Collaborative efforts of the Joint Action PreventNCD and the WHO Europe will be presented. Specific goals set by the Joint Action, as well as the importance of a sustainable approach will be highlighted. A discussion on the way forward will focus on how tangible impact can be created in the WHO European Region.

Key messages
• Need for effective tools to address novel challenges and successfully monitor and regulate harmful marketing to children.
• Need for integration of behavioural science and strong collaborations to create real impact.
Using English General Practice Patient Survey data to explore Long Covid prevalence
Authors: Woodrow M , Ziauddeen N , Smith D , Alwan N A 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
High global burden of Long Covid (LC) has significant implications for population wellbeing, health/social care and the economy. We aimed to assess prevalence of LC, the level of uncertainty general practice (GP) patients felt about whether they were experiencing it and patient characteristics associated with LC.

Methods
This is a secondary data analysis of GP Patient Survey 2023 data (759,149 participants aged 16+yrs in England). The outcomes included self-reported LC, and being unsure about having LC. Identity and socioeconomic characteristics were explored in relation to these outcomes using univariable and multivariable regression analyses.

Results
4.8% of respondents described themselves as having LC, and 9.1% were unsure whether they had it. Patient age (highest odds at 35-54 years), sex (females more than males), ethnicity (highest odds in Gypsy or Irish Traveller), sexual orientation (increased odds in gay or lesbian or bisexual compared to heterosexual), religion, smoking, carer status, parental status, having a long-term condition, and area-level index of multiple deprivation (higher odds in more deprived areas) were all significantly associated with reporting having LC in the multivariable model compared to answering that question with ‘no’. Generally, similar patterns of association to the above were observed in those who answered the Long Covid question with ‘unsure’ compared to those answering ‘no’, except for parental status and sexual orientation which were not significantly associated with the outcome in the multivariable model.

Conclusions
This study quantitatively highlights the high levels of uncertainty among primary care patients around experiencing LC, and the unequal distribution of LC burden among population groups. Our findings underline the need for better public health and primary care messaging to raise awareness around LC and ensure that those needing support can access services, particularly those already disadvantaged in society.

Key messages
• There are high levels of uncertainty about having Long Covid among people attending primary care services.
• There is unequal burden of Long Covid in England underlining the need for improved awareness and access to support, particularly for minoritised groups.
Evaluation of food pattern behaviours following nutritional education for health professionals
Authors: Barocco G , Croci E , Bucci F G , Forciniti G , Longo T , Steinbock D , Fedele R , Marsi A , Occoni E 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The “Work Programme - UN Decade of action on nutrition 2016-2025” highlights the importance of implementing Recommendation 19 of the Second International Conference on Nutrition of FAO and WHO related to nutrition education interventions (NEI) for health professionals (HP), in order to develop nutritional skills based on national dietary guidelines and coherent policies relating to food. The Local Health Agency integrated with Trieste University (ASUGI), since 2009, has performed 25 NEI with the formation of 910 HP. Post pandemic, the content of ASUGI’s last 5 NEI, programmed by the prevention plan of the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, was aligned with the principles of the European Farm to Fork Strategy linked to Sustainable Healthy Diets (SHD).

Objectives
The objectives of the training programme (TP), approved for Continuing Medical Education, was to change and evaluate food pattern behaviour (FPB) of HP (n = 200) to adhere to the SHD. TP was characterized by a systemic view on complex interconnections between nutritional and sensorial food value, sustainability of food chain systems, evolution of urban food environments, as contexts into which SHD choices can be applied. The 2 days training, spread over 14 hours with 40 participants, concluded with interactive work and experiences to applied knowledge and beginning to make informed healthy dietary choices in practice.

Results
6 months after the conclusion of TP it was reported that the percentage of HP who consumed the recommended portions of fruits and vegetables had increased from 62% to 70% and from 28% to 35% respectively, while those who consumed no cured meats, red meats or legumes, changed from 24% to 35%, from 19% to 25%, from 6% to 3% respectively.

Conclusions
The evaluation of the TP systemic structure has shown its effectiveness in improving some healthy FPB of HP and the importance of applying a continuous improvement process of the program to better adhere to the whole SHD.

Key messages
• The systemic and integrated structure of nutritional education intervention programs for health professionals contributes to improving their healthy food pattern behaviour.
• The relationships between complex policies of food systems and the 17 SDGs included in the training programs on nutrition education are useful for promoting adherence to healthy and sustainable diets.