bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Health of people with selected citizenships in Germany: results from the interview survey GEDA Fokus
Authors: Bartig S , Bug M , Koschollek C , Kajikhina K , Blume M , Hövener C 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Health chances and risks of people with a history of migration vary according to a wide range of social, migration-related as well as structural factors. Aim of this contribution is to describe the health of people with selected citizenships living in Germany on the basis of various health indicators from the field of non-communicable diseases and to identify relevant determinants of the respective outcomes.

Methods
Analyses are based on data from the multilingual and multimodal interview survey GEDA Fokus, which was conducted from 11/21 until 05/22 among 18- to 79-year-old people with Croatian, Italian, Polish, Syrian or Turkish citizenship living in Germany. Poisson regressions were used to calculate prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals to examine the association between the individual indicators (chronic diseases or long-term health problems, coronary heart disease, diabetes mellitus and depression) and various social as well as migration-related characteristics.

Results
In particular, older age, low income, a longer duration of stay, a low sense of belonging to society in Germany and self-reported experiences of discrimination in everyday life are associated with higher prevalence of all the health outcomes.

Conclusions
Given the importance of subjective sense of belonging to the society in Germany and self-reported experiences of discrimination for the health outcomes studied, the results point to health inequalities among people of selected citizenships that are partly caused by mechanisms of social exclusion.

Key messages
• Low income, self-reported experiences of discrimination in everyday life and a lower sense of belonging to society in Germany are associated with increased prevalence of non-communicable diseases.
• Social and structural exclusion mechanisms must be sustainably dismantled in order to ensure health equity.
Self-reported general health/psychological status of Ukrainian female refugees in the Czech Republic
Authors: Mazhak I 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

533 490 refugees from Ukraine received ‘temporary protection’ from the Czech government. The data for the cross-sectional study (919 females) were obtained via an online survey which recorded self-reported physical health and psychological status, specific aspects of mental health, coping strategies and demographic characteristics. The average age of participants was about 38 years old and more than 70% had children. Most respondents have a university education (71%), came from cities and towns (88.7 %), and had employment in Ukraine (73.8 %). As regards, self-reported health, 43% of females reported their general health as good, 46.8% as fair, and 10.2% as bad and very bad. In addition, 27.9% reported that their health has worsened during the last month and 4.5% that their health had worsened or that they had sustained injury due to the war. Also, 52.7% self-reported their psychological status as fair, 26% as bad, and 7.7% as having very bad status. Preliminary results showed that refugees more often used problem-focused and emotion-focused strategies and less avoidant coping strategies. Ineffective coping strategies of self-blame and behavioural disengagement were associated with poorly reported physical health/psychological status. Effective coping strategies were positively associated with better-reported psychological status. The majority of Ukrainian female refugees (75.2%) have a moderate level of perceived stress, and 20.3% have a high level. Total stress score was moderately positively correlated with the avoidant coping strategy (r = .48), so the higher the perceived stress the higher the possibility for respondents to employ avoidant coping strategy. Moreover, there were strong positive correlations between perceived stress and self-reported emotional and psychological status (r = .61) and positive correlations with self-reported physical health (r = .29). The higher level of perceived stress related to the worst self-reported physical and mental health.

Key messages
• The research outcomes could be used in the social policy of the Czech government to help Ukrainian female refugees to better adapt to the country and avoid worsening physical and mental health status.
• Social policies can reduce the negative physical and mental health outcomes associated with refugees’ resettlement.
Social prescribing as a community health-promoting tool: lessons from a country exchange visit
Authors: Costa L , Costa A , Papartyte L 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Issue
Social Prescribing (SP) describes evidence-based interventions designed to improve health and wellbeing by referring individuals with non-medical, health-related social needs to health-promoting community-based support and services. Differences in national health systems, sociopolitical infrastructures and terminology, has however created a heterogeneity on SP practice and limited its implementation.

Description of the problem
On may 2022 the Portuguese National Institute of Health Dr Ricardo Jorge in partnership with EurohealthNet, organised a Country Exchange Visit to Lisbon. The purpose was to discuss SP and other health promoting primary care strategies in practice at European level and explore the political, financial and practical enablers that connect community and primary health care and social services, in order to build up knowledge-base to foster further SP policy and practice.

Results
Participants from ten European health authorities visit on site several community-based initiatives and shared information about relevant activities in their countries. In particular, brainstorming sessions between participants and the twelve key SP partners from the voluntary and community sector, were continuously facilitated by organizers. A summary report was published, providing an overview of the knowledge exchange.

Lessons
Overall, the importance to strengthen the collaboration between health and social sectors was recorrently highlighted. Co-funding between the governmental bodies and development of intersectorial partnership projets were pointed out as key innovative approaches to launch and scale up sustainable SP implementation. It was noted that despite the evidence showing the health benefits of a SP model, quality of individual interventions should be ensured and supported by common evaluation frameworks. The development of new training and competence modules adapted to contextual needs was considered particularly relevant to foster SP implementation.

Key messages
• Social prescribing represents an innovative tool that enables health systems to meet in a better way the new societal challenges by a complete paradigm shift to a biopsychosocial model of care.
• Implementation of social prescribing and its integration into national health systems is crucial to develop new models of care and health to face 21st century health problems.
Harnessing lived experience in a community-based intervention to address gambling-related harms
Authors: Jenkins C , Mills T , Reavey P , Moss A , Sykes S , Wills J , Grimes J 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Lived experience of people directly or indirectly affected by public health issues can provide unique insights into how to improve interventions. Increasing availability of gambling necessitates involving communities in efforts to reduce gambling-related harms. This presentation reports qualitative exploratory research into the value of lived experience across a city-region gambling harm reduction initiative in the UK.

Methods
Focus groups and interviews were used to explore the practical application of lived experience with participants: advisory panel members, external stakeholders, community project staff, and public health professionals. Collaborative data analysis combined the framework method with theme development inductively (from participants’ accounts) and deductively (from academic and grey literature).

Results
Four themes were identified: (1) lived experience spans formal and informal settings with different activities and personal impacts; (2) organic and structured pathways to lived experience involvement coexist; (3) the emotional work of people affected by gambling-related harms ranges from frustration at policy inertia to deeper understanding of their own recovery journey; and (4) lived experience encompasses diverse experiential knowledges.

Conclusions
Involving lived experience in this intervention increased participants’ awareness of the harmful role of the gambling industry and critical reflection on the representativeness of lived experience. Harnessing lived experience at a regional level requires multi-setting support free from stigma and industry influence to ensure the sustained vitality of a diverse lived experience community specialised in gambling-related harms and equipped to navigate conflicting emotions and a challenging policy environment.

Key messages
• Increasing availability of gambling necessitates involving communities in efforts to reduce gambling-related harms.
• The use of lived experience in gambling-related harms prevention efforts and research can inform intervention development.
A scoping review of retail environment interventions and their impacts on health and wellbeing
Authors: Rinaldi C , McGill E , Petticrew M , Knai C , Egan M 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
‘High streets’ and town centres are influential in shaping health. In recent years many countries implemented policies to revitalise and financially support retail environments. The aim of this scoping review is to systematically map evidence on retail environment interventions, to gain an understanding of their possible health and wellbeing impacts. This review identifies types of interventions, the health outcomes they address and the associated theories of change.

Methods
Peer-reviewed studies in English were identified through five academic databases using search terms for relevant initiatives and health and wellbeing outcomes. Grey literature was identified online and through citation scanning. Studies were eligible if they evaluated interventions with a significant focus on supporting the retail environment, reporting on at least one health and wellbeing outcome. Extracted data were presented descriptively. Theories of change were analysed using an interpretive approach.

Results
Of 6,752 identified evaluations, 53 peer-reviewed studies and 10 grey literature reports were included. Interventions types were area-based initiatives, business improvement districts, business incentives, and demand-side incentives. The most common outcomes were social and environmental determinants of health, although impacts on physical health, mental health, and food consumption and purchasing were also studied. Most interventions involved partnerships with the private sector or were ‘whole-of-society’ initiatives. Evidence for the effectiveness of interventions was mixed, depending on the type of intervention. Theories of change were found to be reductionist and often did not account for context-specific factors.

Conclusions
To our knowledge, this is the first review of literature evaluating the health impacts of interventions aimed at revitalising retail environments. Future interventions should more comprehensively address economic, health and social outcomes.

Key messages
• High street environments are influential in shaping health, and initiatives aimed at supporting local businesses should consider health and social objectives.
• Most literature to date evaluates social and environmental outcomes of retail environment interventions rather than more direct health and wellbeing outcomes.
Implementation gaps of the Portuguese Nacional Health Plan 2012-2021: evidence mapping analysis
Authors: Costa A , Costa L , Rosa A , Mexia R , Matias Dias C 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
The National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA) is responsible for carrying out the evaluation of the Portuguese National Health Plan (PNS) 2012-2016, extended to 2020 (and later to 2021). As part of PNS evaluation, this study aims to identify gaps in the implementation of the PNS 2012-2021, and to identify the degree of alignment and coherence between the strategic axis, goals, and monitoring framework issued by the PNS at different levels of implementation (national, regional, local and municipal).

Methods
A mix study, employing both qualitative and quantitative approaches was performed based upon a modified scoping review. Portuguese healthcare institutional websites and municipality websites were identified as the main data sources and secondary data were gathered. Evidence (plans, programs, or strategies) with publication date between 2015 and 2020 were included. A data collection matrix was validated by a group of experts from major stakeholders from academia and public health services. The matrix included 3 main categories following the PNS intervention logic (5 strategic axis, 4 goals and 37 monitoring indicators).

Results
A total of 204 documents met the inclusion criteria. Evidence from national level (55%) and local level (35%) represented about 90% of the sample. Overall, three implementation gaps were identified: 1) absence of two Regional Health Plans (in a total of 5 mainland health regions); 2) lack of about 1/3 of the expected Local Health Plans (16 out of 53) and, 3) low transposition (or approximation) of the PNS monitoring framework into the hospital and primary care contract-programs, one of the main management tools for planning.

Conclusions
The identification and analysis of implementation gaps contribute to the final evaluation of the PNS. Moreover, the results can guide the next planning cycle pointing out sensitive areas of implementation which need more attention from various stakeholders.

Key messages
• Implementation gaps can compromise the impact of PNS as the strategic tool to set the necessary health interventions and their alignment at national, regional and local level of implementation.
• The next planning cycle should tackle the identified implementation gaps with the purpose of strengthen PNS as a strategic planning platform and with the aim of maximize population health gains.
Establishing a Platform for Public Health Advocacy in the midst of a Pandemic
Authors: Buckley C M , Hamilton D , McDarby G , Migone C , Cianci F , Beatty K , Kelly C , Ceannt R , Smyth B 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Issue/problem
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Doctors working in Public Health Medicine in Ireland lacked a platform to present a collective voice to advocate on issues of public health concern. The aim of this abstract is to describe the establishment of a platform for advocacy through the formation of the Irish Society of Specialists in Public Health Medicine (ISSPHM).

Description of the problem
An independent society for Public Health Doctors in Ireland was lacking. Models used by other medical specialties in Ireland and international practice was reviewed. The ISSPHM was developed to build capacity and capability for advocacy amongst Public Health Doctors in Ireland by providing indemnity for members and a forum to interact with the media.

Results
A constitution, mission statement and website for the society were developed. The formal launch of the ISSPHM took place in December 2021. Outputs to date include co-hosting of webinar entitled ‘Public Health and the Law'; contributing to the Irish Public Health Reform Expert Advisory Group; a position paper on pandemic preparedness; a statement on migrant health (published on the ISSPHM website and widely quoted in the media); letters published in Irish media; interviews on national radio and the formation of a Climate Change Working Group.

Lessons
The ISSPHM successfully creates an environment where Public Health Doctors can advocate on major issues. The establishment of an independent society requires diverse expertise and resources. Future plans for the ISSPHM are to further collaborate and build on existing partnerships and expand eligibility for membership to include other colleagues working in Public Health e.g. nurses, surveillance scientists, data analysts.

Key messages
• An independent national society for Public Health Doctors is an extremely useful vehicle for advocacy.
• The establishment and development of an independent society is a significant undertaking requiring diverse expertise.
Quasi-experimental evaluations of health-related policies in Europe: a scoping review
Authors: Sell K , Rabbani S , Burns J 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Quasi-experimental methods (QEM) are study designs increasingly used in public health to evaluate the impact of health-focused policies. We sought to examine the scope, methodological characteristics as well as health equity considerations of policy evaluations using QEM that assess health and social outcomes in Europe.

Methods
We conducted a scoping review as outlined in our pre-registered protocol (https://osf.io/n5rvg). We searched Medline, EMBASE, and EconLit databases in December 2022 and included studies labelled as interrupted time series, difference-in-difference (DID), controlled before and after, regression discontinuity, and synthetic control studies; that focused on policies implemented at regional, national, and supranational level in the WHO European region. Among all identified records, we drew a random sample of 350 records for title and abstract screening and subsequent full-text screening, data extraction and analysis.

Results
Database searches rendered 2102 records. Of the random sample of 350 records, we identified 59 records as eligible for inclusion. Most studies evaluated health and social policies implemented on a national level in EU member states and the UK. Common policy topics were related to tobacco control, healthcare co-payments, and employment. DID was the most common study design label. Few studies were based on pre-registered protocols. There was substantial variability in the number and types of additional analyses conducted to assess the appropriateness of assumptions and the robustness of results. With respect to health equity (HE), 16 included studies had a strong HE focus by examining disadvantaged populations, and in 23 and 18 studies, respectively, HE was discussed and HE-related recommendations were made.

Discussion
QEM were frequently used to undertake policy evaluations and studies showed great diversity in scope and methodology. Health equity was considered in a surprisingly low number of studies.

Key messages
• We identified a large number of policy evaluations employing quasi-experimental methods.
• Studies were heterogeneous in scope and methodological rigour and few considered health equity.
Trickle-down policies: Utilizing strategic plans to facilitate local public health work
Authors: Maass R , Hope S , Lillefjell M 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
The main weight of health promotion strategies are outlined internationally, but carried out locally. More knowledge is needed about how municipalities and communities can be supported in building capacity for carrying out systematic, local Public Health Work. This study explores how strategic recommendations from national/international levels can contribute to the facilitation of systematic, local health promotion work through conscious utilization of juridical and strategic municipal documents.

Methods
An in-depth hierarchical document analysis was carried out in selected municipalities. A contextual content analysis of central terms was conducted the aim to understand how these were addressed across document-type and municipality.

Findings
Central aims and strategies from health promotion have “trickled-down” into national and municipal documents. Variations in how intentions are anchored and implemented in the municipal context occur: if and how they were addressed, linked to higher-level aims and operationalized in ways that enabled collaborative action (including the allocation of resources). Obligatory activities (e.g. establishing a local knowledge-base) were more likely to be implemented locally; however, variations occured regarding how these were followed-up subsequently.

Discussion
Global health promotion aims and strategies can contribute to facilitate for local public health work. Differences in how the planning literature was utilized might facilitate for different outcomes. To enable coherent approaches across sectors and actors, top-down approaches have to be combined with local competence-building and enable collaborative action. Framing spatial tasks in ways that highlight their contribution to achieve overarching goals can built competence across stakeholders, and enable systematic approaches over time.

Key messages
• Utilizing local strategic documents can facilitate for the realization of global and national health promotion intentions.
• To enable coherent approaches across sectors and actors, top-down approaches have to be combined with local competence-building and enable collaborative action.
Development of a Physical Activity Environment Policy Index (PA-EPI) composite implementation score
Authors: Volf K , Woods C B 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
To promote physical activity (PA), it is necessary to look beyond specific interventions to upstream policies formulated across multiple sectors. The Physical Activity Environment Policy Index (PA-EPI) tool consists of 45 indicators for assessing the extent of policy implementation by national government. Combining measures from different indicators into a single composite measure of policy implementation is complex, but can facilitate cross country policy comparison and communication of policy implementation status to stakeholders. This study describes how a composite measure can be constructed.

Methods
To create a composite measure two methods were necessary. Firstly, international experts (N = 73, 20 countries) with knowledge of PA policy independently rated the importance of the 45 indicators for increasing population levels of PA on a 10-point Likert scale. A formula was utilised to convert these ratings into weightings for each indicator. Secondly, these weightings were combined with real PA-EPI implementation data. Data from the first study to use the PA-EPI tool, in the Republic of Ireland, was used to demonstrate how a composite implementation score can be calculated. This composite score was expressed as a percentage of a perfect implementation score

Results
Indicator weightings ranged from 2.7 (highest importance) to 0.8 (lowest importance). Implementation data on indicators ranged from 0.75 to 0.25. The formula used to calculate weightings for each indicator was ωi = (x¯i-∑x¯n)+2. The formula used to derive a composite implementation score was C=∑(ωi×fi) + (ωj×fj)...(ωn×fn). A composite rating implementation score of 59% was calculated for the Republic of Ireland.

Conclusions
This study demonstrates how data from 45 indicators can be combined. Transnational comparisons are important as they reveal countries at the forefront of PA policy implementation in domains known to be effective for increasing population levels of PA.

Key messages
• Researchers can use the methods described as part of a process for assessing the extent of implementation of the physical activity policy using the PA-EPI.
• By calculating a composite physical activity policy implementation score, researchers can facilitate transnational PA policy comparisons.