bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of sociodemographic factors on herpes zoster vaccine uptake among hard-to-reach populations
Authors: Diedenhofen G , Colaiocco G , Adamo G , Amoriello Lamberti P , Gherardi S M , Trani F , Zuccaro O , Isidori C , De Angelis G , Fano V 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The anti-Herpes Zoster (HZ) vaccination program was expanded with the adjuvated recombinant vaccine (HZR) in the Lazio Region, Italy, in 2022, restricting its use only to certain categories at risk due to pathological conditions, such as dialysis patients or immunocompromised individuals. This study focuses on the role of clinical and socio-demographic factors on HZR vaccine uptake within the fragile resident population of the Local Health Authority Rome 2 (ASL RM2).

Methods
This population-based, retrospective cohort study leveraged data from various registries and databases. The study population comprised 835,779 individuals aged ≥18 years who were both RM2 residents and registered with an RM2 general practitioner (GP). Among these, 143,242 individuals with at least one chronic condition were assessed for vaccination uptake using a multivariate logistic model, exploring associations with gender, age, nationality, marital status, household size, and level of deprivation.

Results
At the conclusion of the study period, a small fraction (1.5%) of the fragile subjects had received at least one dose of the HZR vaccine, and a majority (78%) completed the vaccination course of two doses. The analysis indicated that vaccine adherence was significantly higher in males (OR = 1.15) and individuals aged 65 + (OR = 1.13) while lower among residents in areas of medium (OR = 0.61) and high deprivation (OR = 0.44) and with specific living arrangements - widowed people living alone (OR = 0.66) and families ≥ 6 people (OR = 0.63).

Conclusions
The ASL RM2 vaccination strategy for hard-to-reach individuals includes an integrated approach, with the engagement of local healthcare facilities and hospitals. Despite these efforts, lower adherence in socioeconomically disadvantaged fragile patients suggests a pressing need for targeted communication strategies and interventions to ensure equitable access to the HZ vaccine, as these groups are more vulnerable to developing chronic diseases.

Key messages
• Socio-demographic factors significantly influence Herpes Zoster vaccine uptake in hard-to-reach populations, with lower adherence in socially deprived groups.
• Tailored, equity-driven approaches are essential for enhancing vaccine coverage among hard-to-reach fragile individuals, mitigating the higher disease risks in these communities.
Is health being considered by funding towards climate adaptation and mitigation?
Authors: Pinho-Gomes A , Jamart L 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Funding is essential to build climate resilience in public health and healthcare systems and enable populations to adapt to the increasing impacts on climate change on health across the globe. This study aimed to investigate how health has been considered by the projects supported by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), created by the Paris Agreement to support climate adaptation and mitigation.

Methods
Adaptation, mitigation, and cross-cutting projects funded by the GCF between 2021 and 2023 were included. Information was collected for the percentage of funding allocated to health adaptation by cross-cutting and adaptation projects. For mitigation projects, information was extracted on the extent to which health co-benefits were considered.

Results
The 69 adaptation and cross-cutting projects funded by the GCF in 2021-2023 contributed $226 million towards adaptation, of which $59 (26%) million were for health adaptation. There was an increase in the funding provided by the GCF to adaptation from $1 million in 2021 to $156 million in 2023. Funding for health adaptation increased from $178,000 in 2021 to $42 million in 2023. Of the co-funding provided by beneficiaries, $637 million contributed to adaptation and $165 (26%) million to health adaptation. There was an increase in co-funding for adaptation provided by beneficiaries from $131 million in 2022 to $506 million in 2023, with funding for health adaptation increasing from $23 (18%) million to $142 (28%) million. Among the 48 mitigation and cross-cutting projects, 15 did not mention health, 13 mentioned did not correctly articulate health co-benefits, 11 identified specific health co-benefits, and 9 correctly labelled and measured health co-benefits. The main co-benefits derived from reducing air pollution.

Conclusions
Among the projects funded by the GCF, funding for health adaptation remains a small proportion of the adaptation funding and health co-benefits are rarely considered by mitigation projects.

Key messages
• The proportion of adaptation funding provided for the health sector remains low.
• Health co-benefits are seldom considered and measured by climate mitigation projects.
Does perceived neighbourhood social cohesion moderate the effects of demographic changes on health?
Authors: Sauzet O , Schäffer M 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Small-area characteristics changes over time may be associated with health. Various theories have been proposed to explain small-area effects on health, including those concerning social capital. The effect of small-area demographic changes on health are very little researched and hardly anything is known about their relationship with social cohesion. We use longitudinal data from the German Socio-Economic Panel linked to demographic measures at county level. We explore the association between 5-year changes in the proportion of over 65 and of 18-24 years-old and physical and mental health and the moderating effect of perceived neighbourhood social cohesion (SC) using random intercept models. Control variables include education, income, and relevant baseline measures. Included are all participants with a 6-year continuous exposure to their county of residence. The main outcomes are the physical and mental health components (PCS, MCS) of the SF-12. We included 21,239 persons up to 6 times in 399 counties. 5-year changes in the over 65, of 18-24 and measure of SC are associated to MCS and PCS. Significant interactions between the changes in over 65 and social cohesion are seen for MCS only in rural areas and some interactions are significant for PCS. For MCS there are no interactions between social cohesion and the changes in 18-24. Important interaction effects for PCS: for those exposed to a small decrease in 18-24, an increase in one unit of SC is associated with an increase of 1.71 (95% CI[1.38, 2.03]) PCS units. For those exposed to a large decrease this effect is lower by 0.88 PCS units. Exposition to some demographic changes have the effect to reduce the positive effects of perceived social cohesion on health. Thus, demographic changes appear to be health stressors. The evidence shown by this work need to be further developed by considering smaller scales but the evidence opens up a new range of possible intervention targets to reduce health inequalities.

Key messages
• County level demographic changes are associated with physical and mental health and certain exposition to changes reduce the positive effects of perceived neighbourhood social cohesion.
• Social cohesion can be an intervention target to reduce small-area health inequalities, population changes can annulate positive effects. This must be accounted for in public health interventions.
Outdoor artificial light at night and risk of conversion from mild cognitive impairment to dementia
Authors: Filippini T , Costanzini S , Chiari A , Urbano T , Despini F , Tondelli M , Bedin R , Zamboni G , Teggi S , Vinceti M 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
A few studies have suggested that exposure to lighting during night hours, i.e. light at night (LAN), may increase the risk of dementia. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the association between exposure to outdoor artificial LAN and risk of conversion to dementia in an Italian cohort of subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Methods
We recruited subjects with a diagnosis of MCI at the Cognitive Neurology Clinic of Modena Hospital in the period 2008-2014, and we followed these subjects up to 2021 for conversion to dementia. We collected their residential history and we assessed LAN exposure at subjects’ residences using satellite imagery data available from the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) for the period 2014-2022. Using a Cox-proportional hazards model adjusted for relevant confounders, we computed the hazard ratio (HR) of dementia with 95% confidence interval (CI) according to increasing LAN exposure through linear, categorical, and non-linear restricted-cubic spline models.

Results
Out of 53 recruited subjects, 34 converted to dementia of any type including 26 Alzheimer’s dementia. In linear regression analysis, LAN exposure was positively associated with dementia conversion (HR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00-1.06 for 1-unit increase). Using as reference the lowest tertile, subjects at both intermediate and highest tertiles of LAN exposure showed increased risk of dementia conversion (HRs 2.26, 95% CI 0.88-5.85, and 2.89, 95% CI 1.10-7.58). In spline regression analysis, the risk linearly increased up to a LAN exposure of 30 nW/cm2/sr, above which a plateau seemed to be reached. Results were almost confirmed when limited to conversion to Alzheimer’s dementia, except for an almost linear relation.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that exposure to outdoor artificial LAN may increase conversion from MCI to any type of dementia, especially above 30 nW/cm2/sr, while such relation appears to be almost linear for Alzheimer’s dementia.

Key messages
• Light at night exposure above 30 nW/cm2/sr was associated with risk of conversion to dementia.
• Light at night showed almost linear association with risk of conversion to Alzheimer’s dementia.
Mediterranean diet score linked to cognitive functioning in women: evidence from the Czech Republic
Authors: Hrezova E , Stefler D , Pikhart H 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Evidence suggests that adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MED) may be beneficial in preventing cognitive decline, although findings are inconsistent. We aimed to explore this association in the Czech population of older adults.

Methods
A total of 6,028 males and females from the Czech arm of the Health Alcohol and Psychosocial factors in Eastern Europe (HAPIEE) study were included in the analysis. Dietary data were collected using a food frequency questionnaire, and MED was calculated based on nine food groups. The MED score ranged from 0 to 16 points and was categorized into three groups: 0-7, 8-10, and 11-16 points. Cognitive function was measured using four tests assessing verbal memory and learning, verbal fluency, and attention, mental speed and concentration, from which single z-scores were computed. The composite score of cognitive function was computed as the mean of z-scores. The cross-sectional associations between MED and composite score of cognitive function were analyzed using multivariate linear regression.

Results
Females with a dietary score of 8-10 points (Beta=0.05, 95% CI: -0.002; 0.097), and those with a score of 11-16 points (Beta=0.08, 95% CI: 0.016; 0.140) had a higher composite cognitive score than women in lowest adherence group. Looking at specific domains, women in the highest adherence group had significantly better immediate verbal memory (Beta=0.12, 95% CI: 0.031; 0.205) and delayed recall (Beta=0.12, 95% CI: 0.027; 0.212), respectively, than those in the lowest adherence group. There were no associations in males.

Conclusions
Higher adherence to the MED was associated with better cognitive functioning in verbal memory and composite cognitive score in Czech females. The results suggest that the Mediterranean diet may help to improve cognitive functioning in older women. #NGEU

Key messages
• Findings suggest that Mediterranean diet may be beneficial in cognitive functioning in older women.
• Higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet is connected to better cognitive function particularly in verbal memory domain.
Leveraging Behavioural Insights to Create Healthier Online Environment for Children
Authors: Nagyova I 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Issue/Problem
The proliferation of digital marketing poses a significant threat to children’s health and well-being, necessitating innovative solutions grounded in cross-disciplinary systems approach.

Description of the problem
Children’s exposure to harmful digital marketing is pervasive, influencing their preferences, behaviours, and health outcomes. Traditional regulatory approaches often fall short in addressing the dynamic nature of online advertising, exacerbating the challenge. Without effective interventions, children remain vulnerable to the detrimental effects of marketing for unhealthy products and services, undermining public health efforts.

Results
Integrating behavioural sciences with public health suggests promising avenues for addressing the complexities of harmful digital marketing to children. The WHO KidAd app is a ground-breaking tool designed for objective monitoring of digital marketing. Coupled with evidence-based behavioural strategies such as nudges, choice architecture, and social norms, policymakers can influence decision-making in favour of healthier choices, thereby reducing the impact of harmful marketing. By understanding the decision-making processes and behavioural patterns involved, policymakers can design targeted interventions to mitigate exposure and protect children.

Lessons Learned
The application of behavioural sciences in public health policy-making yields valuable lessons. Firstly, personalized and contextually relevant interventions resonate more effectively with target audiences, enhancing their efficacy. Secondly, leveraging behavioural insights allows for the design of interventions that complement existing regulatory frameworks, filling gaps in enforcement and compliance. Thirdly, interdisciplinary collaboration between public health experts, policymakers, and behavioural scientists is essential for developing evidence-based strategies tailored to the digital landscape’s evolving challenges. [Grant: APVV-22-0587]

Speakers/Panelists
Amandine Garde
Law & Non-Communicable Diseases Unit, Liverpool, UK
Adverse Reaction Reports for Skincare: Zero
Authors: Morales Morales D , Espinosa Tabitas M , Villegas Dominguez J E , Cruz Duarte V , Viñas Dozal J C , Chávez Castillo S D , Carranza Promotor G J , Perez Villenueva M 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Suspicions of Adverse Drug Reactions (sADRs) facilitate public health authorities in making decisions regarding the safety of various drugs in the market, thus it is important to be acquainted with these data in our population.

Objectives
To identify suspicions of adverse reactions due to skincare product use among adults in Veracruz, Mexico.

Methods
A cross-sectional, prospective, and descriptive study was conducted, including subjects over 18 years old residing in the metropolitan area of Veracruz, Mexico. A self-administered questionnaire was utilized to identify suspicions of adverse reactions due to skincare product use and their notifications.

Results
607 subjects participated, with a mean age of 24.61 (±9.85), comprising 78.25% females and 21.75% males. The prevalence of sADRs identified by patients was 37.2%; however, 44.3% reported experiencing skin redness, 42.7% reported burning sensation, and 31.6% noted changes in their skin becoming oilier. 70.20% claimed awareness of potential adverse effects of the products they use, and 37.2% reported experiencing some adverse reactions, with 76.6% indicating that adverse reactions noticed on their skin disappeared upon discontinuing the product. None of the participants notified sADRs upon identifying them.

Conclusions
Not all participants in this study recognize sADRs as adverse effects, indicating the possibility that patients may have experienced adverse reactions without being aware of them, as they may not relate the product to the reaction

Key messages
• The notification of sADRs is a regulated activity in Mexico, so we must promote its implementation at all levels, since they are fundamental for public health decisions.
• We must carry out educational activities on skin care in order to prevent SADRs or so that the doctor provides care in a timely manner, since the patient does not recognize them.
Determinants of Long COVID illness duration and service use-an Irish retrospective cohort study
Authors: Carney P , McGuire F , Carroll C , Kavanagh P , Fallon U 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The Follow-up After Disease Acquisition (FADA) study is a retrospective cohort study of COVID-19 recovery, aimed to characterise the nature and severity of Long COVID (LC) in an Irish community-based sample. Duration analysis is conducted applying Cox’s proportional hazards model to those self-reported recovered from LC (n = 577) and a Gompertz distribution parametric model, determined best fit by AIC, for those still ill with LC (n = 928) at time of survey completion. A negative binomial model is estimated to understand the variation of services accessed for LC. The Hazard in this instance is recovery(&lt;1 = contributing factor to duration). Factors significantly contributing to duration of illness are never married (Hazard Ratio (HR):0.689;p:0.01) higher physical activity levels prior to first C-19 infection (HR:0.964; p:0.06) and number of COVID-19 infections (H:0.926;p:0.07). Those that contract more recent variants are likely to recover quicker from their LC illness (baseline Wildtype. Alpha HR:1.7;p:0.0; Delta HR:3.36;p:0.0; Omicron HR:3.8; p:0.0). In variation of services used for LC, there are some major differences between those self-reporting as recovered from LC at time of survey completion and those still ill. Of those recovered, men, those sickest with LC and sick longest use a wider variation of services. Single people use a significantly narrower range of health services to combat their illness. For those still ill higher education, higher levels of physical activity pre COVID-19, healthcare workers, higher rates of comorbidity, those sick longest and those whose health has been most impacted by LC use a wider variation of services. A poorer health rating negatively impacts variation of services accessed for LC illness. More recent strains of COVID-19 are significantly less likely to lead to LC, this offers hope for the future, albeit more research is required to investigate factors to improve recovery rates for those already experiencing LC.

Key messages
• Those with Long COVID that recover quickly are fundamentally different to those that do not.
• The number of COVID-19 infections is a key indicator of length of Long COVID illness, we need to protect our most vulnerable and put appropriate safeguards in place for healthcare provision.
Health Impact Assessment in Personalized Prevention: three applications on pharmacogenomic testing
Authors: Valz Gris A , Kannan P , Costa A , de Fátima Silva Lopes M , Cardoso M L , Pezzullo A , Tona D , Perola M , Vicente A M , Boccia S 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
In recent years, literature on the efficacy of genetic and genomic tests has expanded, yet the impact of personalized prevention programs that include such tests remains understudied. Our study aims to test the use of the Health Impact Assessment (HIA) framework, traditionally applied in non-health policy evaluation, to assess the impacts of personalized prevention policies.

Methods
We selected a policy mandating dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPYD) genetic test use before prescribing fluoropyrimidine for colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Three HIAs are being conducted in Italy, Portugal, and Finland to assess the applicability across different contexts. The assessment involves literature review, comparative risk modeling, and stakeholder interviews. Three national steering committees, comprising representatives from key interest groups and experts, will evaluate evidence to gauge policy impacts and offer recommendations.

Results
The potential impacts identified include CRC patients’ outcomes, economic, organizational, patient experience, clinician workload, and equity. Preliminary results show a consensus in literature and national guidelines on the ability of the DPYD test to reduce adverse events and enhance the quality of life of CRC patients. However, the assessment reveals context-specific effects regarding equity, influenced by the prevalence of ethnic groups and variations in access to health services across regions. Differences also emerged on organizational aspects like the availability of resources such as laboratories and personnel. A lack of literature was observed on patient acceptability and clinician attitudes towards the test.

Conclusions
The use of HIA in personalized prevention might assist in identifying policy impacts often overlooked through the involvement of key interest groups in the assessment process. Such effort can further emphasize the significance of evaluating these programs while considering the geographical context.

Key messages
• Our study innovatively applies the Health Impact Assessment framework to evaluate personalized prevention programs in pharmacogenomic, addressing a critical research gap.
• Preliminary findings underscore the importance of considering geographical factors in public health policy evaluation, highlighting nuanced context-specific effects.
Future actions and a call for ongoing support
Authors: Quilici S , Czwarno A 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The EUVABECO project is currently piloting a suite of innovative tools, including decision support systems, targeted screening tools, electronic vaccine leaflets, disease simulators, and cross-border vaccination cards. These tools have shown great promise in transforming vaccination practices within individual healthcare settings, contributing to building vaccine confidence and increasing protection against vaccine-preventable infections across the life course. As EUVABECO progresses to the crucial phase of implementing these pilots, active collaboration and sustained support from the multiple actors of the vaccine ecosystem in the implementing countries are essential. To ensure these tools are effectively adapted across different MS, they must be customised to meet local needs and the specific requirements of diverse healthcare environments. This involves integrating feedback from initial deployments. More than just a technical implementation, this phase is about fostering and maintaining robust partnerships with key stakeholders such as healthcare providers, policymakers, and National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs). The success of the EUVABECO project depends on continuous engagement and the sharing of knowledge and resources among all partners involved. This presentation seeks to reinforce the call for ongoing commitment and collaboration from existing stakeholders and to encourage new partners to join this transformative effort. This will foster a more harmonized approach to vaccination policies. Together, we aim to build a more resilient public health infrastructure, enhancing the preparedness and responsiveness to current and future vaccination challenges, ultimately improving resilience to health threats across the European Union.