bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differences in the work-family experience of mothers and fathers of a southern European country
Authors: Amaro J , Lucas R , Perelman J , Fraga S , Maia S , Pereira M , Mamelund S E , Matias M , Leão T 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The intense childrearing years often coincide with the heightened work demands and responsibilities of the career-building years. We aimed to evaluate the association between family-life stage and men’s and women’s experience of work and private demands, and the conflict between these demands.

Methods
We evaluated 3532 mothers and 731 fathers as part of the Portuguese population-based birth cohort Generation XXI (2018-2020). Data on family-life stage (exposure), work demands, private demands, and work-to-family conflict (outcomes) were retrieved at the 13-year follow-up wave, as well as data on sociodemographic and household characteristics. Family-life stage was operationalized according to the age of the youngest child: stage 1 (≤5 years), stage 2 (6-11 years), and stage 3 (≥12 years). Ordinal logistic regression models were used to estimate associations.

Results
Men reported more frequently long working hours, while women spent more time on household and child-related tasks. After adjustment for parents’ and household characteristics, mothers and fathers with younger children were more likely to report spending more time on child-related tasks (ORmothers = 1.83; 95%CI 1.44, 2.33; ORfathers = 2.36; 95%CI 1.41, 3.94), compared to those with older children. Fathers with younger children were also more likely to report spending more time on household tasks (OR = 2.20; 95%CI 1.30, 3.73 for routine tasks and OR = 1.75; 95%CI 1.03, 2.97 for sporadic tasks). Mothers exhibited a significant association between family-life stage and time-based work-to-family conflict when they had younger children (OR = 1.24; 95% CI 1.05, 1.47 for family-life stage 2 and OR = 1.28; 95% CI 1.00, 1.63 for family-life stage 1).

Conclusions
Both fathers and mothers with young children experienced increased private demands, but only mothers experienced work-to-family conflict. This reveals that family and working arrangements remain marked by a gendered pattern against women.
10.Q. Scientific session: Evolving landscape of scientific publishing practices: implications for public health
Authors:   Organised by: EUPHA-EPI,   Chair persons: Stefania Boccia (EUPHA-EPI), Alastair Leyland (EUPHA)
Published: October 2024

Abstract

In the landscape of scientific publishing, questionable research practices pose significant threats to the integrity and reliability of health research. This is occurring alongside notable changes in both the quantity and quality of published work. This scientific session aims to dissect the implications of such changes and practices on public health, fostering a critical examination and encouraging proactive discourse among public health professionals, researchers, and policymakers. Meta-research can explore the nuances of publishing ethics and the idea behind this session is seeking to heighten awareness of these issues and initiate meaningful discussions among public health professionals on maintaining the integrity of scientific literature in the health domain. The session will delve into the complexities of contemporary publishing, including the proliferation of mega-journals, trends in retracted papers, journals delisted from scientific databases, and the disturbing trend of paper mills which produce fraudulent research papers. Each aspect will be scrutinized for its potential impact on the credibility of health research and the consequential risks to public health. Structured as an interactive panel discussion, the format of this session is designed to maximize engagement and foster an open exchange of ideas. Participants will be encouraged to contribute their experiences and perspectives after each of the three presentations, enriching the dialogue and enhancing collective understanding. The distinct topics presented will underscore the pervasive nature of publishing practices and malpractices across different aspects of health research, highlighting the interconnectedness of ethical challenges and their broader implications. This session will merge meta-research empirical evidence with practical repercussions, offering attendees a comprehensive perspective on how publishing ethics might be shaping public health outcomes. It aims to equip participants with the knowledge to identify dubious practices and advocate for higher standards in scientific publishing. Improving research integrity is a cornerstone for effective health policies and interventions. The subject matter is poised to stimulate debate, invite scrutiny, and inspire action. Through this discourse, the session will articulate key messages about the urgency of upholding ethical standards in publishing to safeguard health research, providing clear, actionable insights for attendees to implement in their respective fields

Key messages
• Unethical publishing practices endanger health research integrity and might have consequences for public health outcomes.
• Acknowledging good publishing practices and combating malpractices will foster higher ethical standards in health research.
11.F. Scientific session: If we build it, will they come? Evaluation of citywide park redesign and renovation in NYC
Authors:   Organised by: Center for Systems and Community Design CUNY (USA),   Chair persons: Terry Huang (USA), Katarzyna Wyka (USA)
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Urban environments, such as parks, play a crucial role in shaping the health of their residents. However, the relationship between parks and health remains inconclusive. This workshop will present findings from the Physical Activity and Redesigned Community Spaces (PARCS) Study that examined the community health impacts of the Community Parks Initiative (CPI), a citywide park equity initiative of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks) that led to citywide park redesign and renovation across 67 low-income neighborhoods in NYC. Using a quasi-experimental design with socio-demographically matched control parks, we evaluated longitudinal changes in park use, physical activity, and psychosocial well-being as a result of CPI. There will be a total of 3 presentations. The first presentation will focus on the impact of CPI on park use before and after park renovation, relative to control parks, using data collected from the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC). Results showed that CPI led to a significant net increase in park use, especially among adults. The second presentation will report on changes in perceived stress pre- and post-renovation among adults. Results showed that a greater decrease in perceived stress was associated with a sustained high or increased park use frequency in the context of high-quality CPI intervention parks. In contrast, the same association was not found in lower quality control parks. The third presentation will showcase a study that demonstrated a significant increase in children’s physical well-being, a dimension of quality of life, at CPI vs. control sites. The analysis also showed that children in the lowest socio-economic group might have benefited the greatest from CPI. PARCS is one of the largest intervention studies on the effects of park renovation on health. This workshop will engage participants in considering how these insights can be translated into actionable programs and policies in service of community health and health equity. Findings from PARCS will help inform future public health and urban planning interventions in the use of the built environment to promote population well-being.

Key messages
• Urban park renovations may contribute significantly to community health, demonstrating a vital link between the built environment and public health.
• Investments in green spaces may enhance the physical and mental well-being of low-income urban communities, promoting social equity.
Vaginal self-sampling for HPV in the context of cervical cancer screening
Authors: Springe L , Kivite-Urtane A , Poplavska E , Zodzika J , Berza N , Bukova-Zideluna A , Curkste A , Parna K , Uuskula A 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Effective cervical cancer screening programme has the potential to improve disease outcomes, yet women’s participation rates in Latvia remain suboptimal. Utilizing vaginal self-sampling for HPV, a convenient method, has demonstrated efficacy in boosting participation in under-screened populations. We analysed sociodemographic factors, as well as health behaviours with the preference for vaginal self-sampling procedures for early detection of cervical cancer.

Methods
Cross-sectional survey (2021-2022) included 1313 women in Latvia. Sampling was done in the colposcopy clinic and among GP practices. In the univariate analysis cervical cancer examination preference (self-test or by a physician) was analysed in association sociodemographic factors, participation in the screening, HPV status, study group, and health-related behaviour. Financed by “Internal consolidation of RSU and external consolidation of RSU with LSPA” (No. 5.2.1.1.i.0/2/24/I/CFLA/005), The EU Recovery and Resilience plan and the state budget, Grant Nr. RSU-PAG-2024/1-0016.

Results
48.6 % (n = 538) of the women would prefer to use a vaginal self-test. Higher odds of the vaginal self-test preference were observed among Latvian (OR = 1.4 (1.1-1.8) vs other nationality women, but no other sociodemographic factors showed statistically significant associations. Women in the colposcopy study group (vs GP practices) were more likely to utilize self-sampling (OR = 1.8 (1.4-2.5). Non-participation in cervical cancer screening was related to 2.4 (1.6-3.6) higher odds of self-test preference, but knowledge about screening was related to 1.5 (1.1-2.0) times higher odds. Women who were HPV-negative were more likely to prefer vaginal self-test for HPV (OR = 1.4 (1.1-1.8) in comparison to HPV-positive women. Health-related behaviour did not show any associations.

Conclusions
Vaginal self-test for HPV can be effectively used to reach under-screened populations and enhance cervical cancer screening coverage.

Key messages
• The implementation of vaginal self-sampling for HPV testing has the potential to improve participation rates in cervical cancer screening programs among under-screened populations.
• Outreach and education activities tailored to specific target groups in population could enhance level of the cervical cancer screening uptake.
Urinary artificial sweeteners and breast cancer risk in women from the Moli-sani Study
Authors: Bonaccio M , Di Castelnuovo A , Costanzo S , Martinez C F , Ruggiero E , Troisi J , Cerletti C , Donati M B , de Gaetano G , Iacoviello L 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Artificial sweeteners (AS) are chemical substances developed by the food industry to reduce sugar and calories while maintaining sweetness. Cohort studies suggested an increased risk of certain cancers, including breast cancer (BC), associated with AS intake, however evidence exclusively relied on self-reported dietary data rather than objectively measured AS. We examined the association of urinary biomarkers denoting AS intake with BC risk in women from the large Moli-sani Study.

Methods
Using a case-cohort design, a sample of 987 middle-aged women (mean age 55±12 y) was randomly selected as sub-cohort and compared with 273 women with incident BC (26 of them also belong to the sub-cohort). A total of 6 commonly used AS (i.e. aspartame, acesulfame, saccharine, sucralose, cyclamate, and steviol glycosides) were measured through liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry in urinary samples (creatinine-adjusted concentrations; µg/mg) collected at baseline (2005-2010). The multivariable hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated through Cox regression models using the Prentice method, where each AS was dichotomized as absence/presence, independent of concentrations.

Results
The main urinary AS was saccharine (E954), contributing to 71% of total AS, followed by steviol glycosides (E960;11%). During a median follow-up of 13.2 y we identified 38 premenopausal and 235 postmenopausal incident BC cases. In multivariable-adjusted Cox analyses, none of the individual AS was associated with overall BC risk, nor was the total urinary AS (HR = 0.93; 95%CI 0.63-1.37 for 1-unit increment). Compared to absence, presence of sucralose (E955) in urine was linked to premenopausal BC (HR = 4.23: 95%CI 1.23-14.51; p = 0.022).

Conclusions
Urinary artificial sweeteners were not associated with BC risk. However, sucralose presence in urine was linked to a higher risk of premenopausal BC. Prospective, dose-related studies with larger sample size are warranted to possibly confirm our findings.

Key messages
• The presence in the urine of commonly used artificial sweeteners was not associated with breast cancer risk.
• Presence of urinary sucralose was linked to higher risk of premenopausal breast cancer.
The influence of living environments on subjective health literacy in fourth-graders in Germany
Authors: Bollweg T , Okan O 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Evidence suggests that worse family affluence is related to low health literacy in children. Still, for the targeted promotion of health literacy, a more nuanced understanding is needed of how living environments affect health literacy in early life. This study explores the relationships between health literacy and indicators of living environments in the neighborhood and at home.

Methods
A representative sample of 4th-graders (age 8-11) was surveyed from Oct. 2022 to Feb. 2023 in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. We included the HLS-Child-Q15 to assess subjective health literacy, 4 items about the neighborhood (e.g., “neighborhood is a good place to play outside” or “I often see people smoking in the neighborhood”), and 4 items about home (e.g., “there’s always fruit and vegetables at home” or “it’s important to my parents that I exercise”). The tendency to answer in a socially desirable way was controlled for with a validated scale. Likert-scale items were dichotomized for use in linear regression.

Results
n = 1085 students are included, 50.3% are female. The mean age is 9.5 years (SD=.6). The regression model explains 17.8% of variability in health literacy (corr. R²). Significant (p&lt;.05) predictors for high health literacy were birthplace (Germany, not Germany), agreement to the statements “I often see people exercising in my neighborhood”, “my parents can answer all my question about health”, “there’s always fruit and vegetables at home”, “it’s important to my parents that I exercise”, but also social desirability scores. Family affluence was not a significant predictor.

Conclusions
In this sample of 4th-graders, subjective health literacy could not adequately be explained by family affluence. Indicators of living environments seem to be better suited to explore variability in health literacy. These findings can be used to explore entry points for the promotion of health literacy early in life and to identify groups at risk for low health literacy.
Cancer screening and surveillance bias
Authors: Tancredi Stefano 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
We will discuss the issue of surveillance bias, which arises when differences in the frequency of cancer are due to changes in screening and detection strategies rather than to differences in the true occurrence of cancer (2). This bias hampers the surveillance of scrutiny-dependent cancers, such as thyroid and prostate cancers and melanoma, leading to misinterpretations of cancer trends. Moreover, it can lead to the misinterpretation of potential risk factors for cancer occurrence, such as socioeconomic status.
Measuring communicative health literacy – a revision of the HLS19-COM-P scale
Authors: Finbråten H , Arabska Y , Bíró É , Charafeddine R , Kučera Z , Mancini J , Ochaba R , Schuetze D , Unim B , Bøggild H 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Communicative health literacy (COM-HL) is important for patients being able to actively participate in communication with health care professionals, such as physicians. The HLS19-COM-P scale was developed for measuring COM-HL in the M-POHL HLS19 survey. However, two items under-discriminated according to the Rasch model and the item set did not sufficiently capture the aspect of appraising health information. Consolidating both a long and short version into a single scale was deemed appropriate. Hence, this study aimed to develop a revised version of the COM-HL scale.

Methods
The revision and development of new items followed a Delphi process. Items that worked well psychometrically in the six-item version of the HLS19-COM-P were kept, and new items concerning appraising information were developed. The revised version of the scale has so far been translated into nine languages (BG, CZ, DE, FR, HU, IT, NO, SK, UA). Challenging translation terms underwent multiple discussions to ensure language consistency. The interpretability of items has been explored in cognitive interviews in six countries (AT, CZ, HU, IT, SK, and UA) so far. Items that were difficult to understand were revised and tested in new interviews. The evaluation of the scale’s psychometric properties is scheduled for May and June 2024.

Results
The revised scale consists of eight items - two items for each of the cognitive domains of accessing, understanding, appraising, and applying health information. One item in each of these domains focuses on the interactive aspect of communication. An instruction for translation of terms that were challenging to translate has been developed. Overall, the revised HLS19-COM-P was well accepted in the cognitive interviews. Results from the quantitative testing will be presented.

Conclusions
The adapted HLS24-COM-P scale developed for the M-POHL Health Literacy Survey 2024-2026, is a short and conceptually sound instrument for measuring COM-HL.
Implementation of polygenic risk scores in secondary prevention of (breast) cancer
Authors: van Rooij J 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Utilizing polygenic risk scores to inform secondary prevention of breast cancer via population screening programs is one of the pioneering applications of genomics in public health applications. Over the last decade, polygenic risk scores for breast cancer have been developed and validated in various European populations (AUC ± 0.63, OR per Z unit ± 1.6, depending on the population). In some countries, the polygenic risk score has been integrated with decision modeling tools, such as CanRisk in the Netherlands, and low-level implementation into health and care systems has started. Implementation strategies vary, but generally consider initial implementation into high-risk populations, such as breast cancer families, in specialized clinical setting, such as academic medical centres, or specialized cancer clinics, referring relatives of patients to population screening based on comprehensive risk modelling, including polygenic risk scores. This route may be followed by other disease fields as well. The presentations outlines the current evidence and considerations on breast cancer genetic risk modelling, clinical pilot studies and the outline of step-wise implementation of such models to benefit secondary prevention programs. We start from the perspective of a single hospital, to the needed steps to upscale to national populations, both in diversity of these populations, as the throughput of genetic testing and counselling, until the harmonization and recalibration of various European healthcare models. We draw from examples of the Genotyping on all patients (GOALL), building cancer health platforms (CanHeal) and Genome of Europe (GoE) consortia.
Food poverty as a barrier for a healthy and climate-friendly nutrition in Austria
Authors: Lampl C , Schmidt A , Aigner E 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The food system plays a crucial role in promoting healthy and climate-friendly living. One fundamental aspect is accessibility. However, in Austria, there is a lack of systematic and regularly conducted studies on food system accessibility. To address this gap, a comprehensive study on food poverty has been conducted for the first time in Austria.

Methods
We used a mixed methods approach, combining expert workshops, a representative questionnaire survey (n = 2004) using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES), and focus groups (n = 20) with affected individuals.

Results
Approximately 12 percent of people living in Austria are affected by moderate and/or severe food poverty. These individuals struggle to afford sufficient quantities and quality of food due to financial constraints or limited access in general. Over four percent experience severe food poverty, leading to skipped meals or even days without food. People affected by food poverty would like to focus more on healthy shopping and quality of food (prioritizing fresh food over cheap high-processed food). The biggest hurdles relate to a lack of financial resources, too little time and a lack of affordable (healthy and climate-friendly) options.

Conclusions
Food poverty is a phenomenon in Austria that has received little attention to date. Public discourse often attributes nutritional problems to information gaps or individual competence, neglecting the impact of structural conditions. Addressing food poverty requires holistic approaches that avoid stigmatization. Recognizing it as a social, health, climate, and agricultural policy concern necessitates robust monitoring and considering the social and environmental aspects of nutrition holistically.
Review of national rare disease strategies: innovation driving change
Authors: Power V , Norris M , Swanton D , Reidy E , Spillane S , Ryan M , O’Neill M 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
A rare disease affects fewer than 5 in 10,000 people. More than 6,000 known rare diseases affect up to 6% of the European population. A national rare disease strategy sets out a country’s plan to reduce disease burden and improve quality of care for people with rare diseases. This review, requested by the Department of Health in Ireland to inform a new national strategy, described national rare disease strategies in 13 selected countries.

Methods
Strategies published from 2013 to 2023 were identified via online searches for Austria, Australia, Denmark, England, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Portugal, Scotland and Wales. National representatives were contacted to confirm the identified resources. Data were extracted for the domains of: aims, priorities, implementation, governance and funding models. Descriptive analysis and narrative synthesis was undertaken.

Results
Improving treatment and coordination of care was a common overall aim. Priorities noted in all strategies were: screening and diagnosis; access to healthcare and coordination of services; rare disease research; and patient representation and empowerment. Implementation details varied to reflect the national context and time of strategy development. More recently-developed strategies included more precise actions and greater emphasis on innovations in genomics than older strategies. Strategies were developed, implemented, monitored and evaluated via combinations of newly-established bodies and or existing health authorities. Six countries did not specify a funding model or dedicated budget for strategy implementation.

Conclusions
National rare disease strategy contents and implementation approaches varied between countries and reflected innovations over time. This review will inform the development of Ireland’s new national rare disease strategy.

Key messages
• This review provided insights into national rare disease strategies over a 10-year period.
• The findings will inform strategy development in Ireland, and are relevant to other countries.