bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of health literacy interventions on the health outcomes of higher education students
Authors: Rosário J , Raposo B , Santos E , Dias S , Pedro A R 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Health literacy is relevant to the empowerment process of higher education students. It reduces their vulnerability in health decision making. Higher education institutions are planning, implementing, and evaluating health literacy interventions on a variety of topics and using a variety of methodologies in order to achieve health benefits for their participants. Benefits in disease prevention, health promotion and health care have been associated with health literacy interventions. A review was conducted to identify and synthesise evidence on the effectiveness of health literacy interventions delivered in academic settings on the health outcomes of higher education students.

Methods
A systematic review of the literature was conducted with research on the EBSCO Host-Research Databases platform. The methodology followed the PRISMA guidelines, and the protocol was registered with PROSPERO. Methodological appraisal of the studies was carried out according to the Joanna Briggs Institute appraisal tool. A thematic and narrative synthesis was carried out for literature synthesis.

Results
This review included 9 articles out of 154 identified. The health gains of health literacy interventions in academic settings were positive changes in mental health; attitudes, norms, and self-efficacy for condom use; emotional, social, and psychological wellbeing; subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, and habitual sleep efficiency; physical activity; and self-reported servings of fried foods. The educational or motivational health literacy interventions contributed to health promotion, disease prevention or healthcare.

Conclusions
The variety of health literacy interventions that are delivered in an academic setting contributes to positive changes in the health outcomes of students in higher education. Investing in the design and delivery of health literacy interventions is one way to reduce their health vulnerability and protect them from the threats.

Key messages
• When planning health literacy interventions, it is important to know what health benefits they bring.
• Health literacy interventions in an academic setting are important for health outcomes.
Cystic echinococcosis in humans and ruminants in Portugal: a one health approach
Authors: Alho A M , Canhão-Dias M , Cardo M , Aguiar P , Madeira de Carvalho L M 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Cystic echinococcosis or hydatid disease is an important parasitic zoonosis for public health, although neglected. Despite being a mandatory notification disease both in humans and animals, data in Portugal are almost absent. A collaborative One Health retrospective nationwide study was conducted, bringing together the expertise of public health doctors, veterinarians and epidemiologists.

Methods
Human hospitalizations caused by cystic echinococcosis and slaughterhouse records of echinococcosis from bovine, ovine and caprine species were obtained. Poisson loglinear regression model was used. Occurrence maps were generated combining animal and human cases.

Results
From 2008 to 2022, 298 cases of echinococcosis were identified in post-mortem inspection in Portuguese slaughterhouses (bovines n = 125, ovines=288 cases, caprines n = 14). Between 2008 and 2018, cystic echinococcosis caused 582 hospitalizations in Portuguese public hospital, with an average length of 11 (± 15.66) days, resulting in 13 deaths (2.23%). Alentejo was the region with the highest hospitalizations. For every infected animal, a 7% increase in the incidence rate of human hospitalization was found (p = 0.002, Exp(B)=1.070, 95% CI: 1.025 - 1.117). Residing in the Alentejo increased the incidence rate of human hospitalizations by 5.3 times when compared to other regions (p = 0.000, Exp(B)=5.290, 95% CI: 3.835 - 7.296). For every 100,000 person-years, there was a total of 0.528 hospitalizations and the risk of death from echinococcosis was 8 times higher for those living in the Alentejo (p &lt; 0.001, Exp(B)=8.259, 95% CI: 2.427 - 28.106).

Conclusions
Living in the Alentejo region has shown to be a high-risk factor for echinococcosis. This work gives an accurate recognition of the situation in Portugal, allowing the development of effective health control and education programs to face an important but neglected zoonotic disease under a One Health approach.

Key messages
• Considering that echinococcosis is still one of the 20 neglected tropical diseases of global health importance, is critical to map and monitor its prevalence and trends.
• This study highlights the impact of this neglected zoonosis in humans and livestock, allowing the identification of the most problematic areas for echinococcosis in Portugal.
Indicators used in policy monitoring documents and decision tools assessing the impact of COVID-19
Authors: Garriga C , Valero Gaspar T , Misins J , Vuković J , Díaz A , Palmieri L , Saso M , Rodríguez-Blázquez C , Forjaz M J ,   PHIRI WP5 surveys collaboration group
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study is to present a synthesis of health indicators implemented in policy documents and decision tools to tackle the impact of COVID-19 pandemic across Europe.

Methods
Two surveys were conducted to collect information on indicators monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic. Data source, strength and limitations of the indicators were described. Public health experts from 28 European countries were asked to identify documents and tools from their countries that included impact indicators to measure the direct impact (survey conducted in October 2022) and indirect impact (March 2023) of COVID-19. Experts classified the documents and tools according to their nature: a) promotion, b) prevention or c) health care.

Results
Thirty-one surveys were completed related to direct impact of COVID-19 from experts of 22 countries. Most of the documents/tools were related to ‘prevention and care’ (38.7%), ‘promotion, prevention and care’ (25.8%) and ‘prevention’ (22.6%). Almost all contributions came from primary sources of information (93.5%) The quality of data collection was the most reported strength for the creation of indicators of direct impact (71.0%) The missing values and diagnoses of SARS-CoV-2 not well defined were the limitations to construct direct impact indicators (19.4%, in both cases).
Concerning the indirect impact documents/tools, 15 surveys were completed by 7 experts. Documents/tools with indirect impact indicators mainly covered “promotion and prevention” (46.7%) and prevention (13.3%). Primary and secondary sources of information were evenly used to get indicators of indirect impact (66.7%). A large sample size was mainly reported as strength for indicators of indirect impact (60.0%).

Conclusions
The indicators collated will be useful to assess the impact of future pandemics. It is crucial to harmonise their calculation to allow for comparisons between settings, countries and different populations.

Key messages
• The characteristics of direct and indirect impact indicators collated allow to obtain a better understanding of how the COVID-19 pandemic was assessed.
• Key indicators could be chosen according to their identified strengths and limitations to be truly informative for policymakers.
Voluntary private health insurance and management of frailty in European Health Systems: a longitudinal analysis
Authors: Palladino R 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Frailty is a major health concern associated with aging. It is a state of multisystem physiological decline and inability to maintain homeostasis, gradually leading to an increased risk of multiple adverse outcomes, such as falls, hospitalizations, and death. The prevalence of frailty in community-dwelling older Europeans (65 years and older) varies between 5.8% and 27.3%; in addition, between 34.6% and 50.9% are classified as ‘pre-frail’. In the face of the rapid population ageing occurring in Western societies, frailty is set to reach epidemic proportions over the next few decades. Although most European health care system offer essential treatment free of charge, voluntary private health insurances (VPHI) are becoming more common. Their coverage can be complementary or supplementary including access, faster treatment, waiting list avoidance, and out-of-pocket refund. A growing body of evidence is showing that there is erosion of the universal health coverage in European Health Systems and accessing VPHI might impact quality of care, especially for complex conditions i.e. Frailty. Using European data from the 2013 to 2011 we will assess trends of VPHI in individuals 65 years and older and whether accessing VPHI impacts frailty management and quality of life for elderly Europeans who are frail. These findings will help assessing quality of frailty management in European Health Systems and identify possible inequalities in accessing health services.
Building an infodemic management network in Serbia: Insights from public health practitioners
Authors: Stevanović A , Mandić-Rajčević S 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Vaccine coverage against COVID-19 in Serbia remains suboptimal, although COVID-19 vaccines became available to the public early during the pandemic. The presence of the infodemic, an overabundance of false, harmful, or outdated information, is one of the root causes of stagnation in vaccine demand. The Laboratory for infodemiology and infodemic management has been established at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, to coordinate the efforts and mitigate the harmful impact of the infodemic.

Methods
Training for public health (PH) professionals, civil society organizations (CSOs), and academia was conducted in three Institutes of Public Health in different regions of Serbia. The training included an introduction to infodemic management and social listening, followed by group discussions. A questionnaire was given to all participants to share their experience about the infodemic sources, effects, and needs of the populations they serve.

Results
A total of 36 PH professionals, CSO representatives, and academics filled out the questionnaire. Over half of them (52.8%) had a primary affiliation in a public health institution and over 15 years of work experience. Although 83.3% of the participants stated that the infodemic presents a major public health issue in Serbia, only 16.7% were satisfied with current infodemic management activities in Serbia. Participants identify family members, doctors, and personal reasoning as the top three factors influencing health behavior. Participants identify the lack of institutional trust as the most important problem in infodemic management.

Conclusions
Insights from public health professionals, CSOs, and academia point to infodemic management being one of the main priorities in future public health activities. A stronger collaboration of experts of different backgrounds is needed to mitigate the complex nature of the infodemic.

Key messages
• Public health practitioners recognize the importance of the infodemic and search for adequate response.
• The lack of institutional trust is one of the main obstacles to effective infodemic management.
Environmental, climatic, anthropogenic features of Filoviruses Disease Outbreak: a systematic review
Authors: Valz Gris A , Regazzi L , Farina A , Campo E , Solimene V , De Maio L , Ricciardi W , Gualano M R 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Filoviruses, including Ebola and Marburg viruses, are a threat to global public health due to their transmission and mortality rates. Despite recent advances in forecasting infectious disease limited knowledge of the ecological niche of Filoviruses still hinders research progress. Studying the ecological context of Filoviruses can provide important information for the development of international preparedness and surveillance systems.

Methods
We conducted a systematic literature review according to the PRISMA 2020 checklist. A search of relevant articles was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Eligible articles were any type of publication, published in English between 2013 and 2023, discussing environmental, climatic and anthropogenic risk factors of Filovirus disease outbreaks.

Results
A total of 5818 records were screened, and 41 articles were included. Of the 41 studies analyzed, 21 reported an analysis of risk factors related to Ebola Viruses, 8 of Marburg Virus, and 12 analyzed multiple species of Filoviruses. Of the 41 studies analyzed, 16 also developed risk prediction models aimed at stratifying geographic areas. We collected a total of 19 risk factors divided in 4 categories: environmental risk factors (e.g., forest coverage, cropland coverage), climate risk factors (e.g., annual temperature range, seasonal temporal frequency) population risk factors (e.g., human population density, urban population increase), cultural and behavioral risk factors (e.g., bushmeat trade, use of traditional burial practice). The analyzed models primarily use climate and environmental data, with population and cultural factors being considered to a lesser extent.

Conclusions
The identification of potential predictors of Filovirus disease outbreak is crucial for geographic mapping of high-risk areas. A multidisciplinary Planetary Health approach is needed to advance research and to develop targeted surveillance systems to prevent pandemic outbreaks.

Key messages
• Environmental and climate factors play a crucial role in filovirus spillover events, but population and cultural factors should also be considered in future research and risk prediction models.
• To improve prediction of pandemic outbreaks more research on disease emergence and transmission dynamics, better surveillance of disease in humans and animals, and better access to data are required.
Association of eating behavior with body mass index and waist circumference in university students
Authors: Gazibara T , Aleksic V , Maksimovic N , Dotlic J , Stevanovic J , Milic M 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
University students often change their eating habits in favor of snacking and intake of calorie-dense food while studying. This study aimed to examine whether the consumption of specific foods is associated with a higher body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference.

Methods
This research was conducted at the University of Pristina temporarily seated in Kosovska Mitrovica, Kosovo, Serbia, from November 2018 to March 2019. In this cross-section study participants completed a socio-demographic and behavioral questionnaire, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Beck's Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and the Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI). All students were measured for body weight, height, and waist circumference. A linear regression model was adjusted for age, gender, smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity, number of daily hours spent sitting, having chronic diseases, PSS, BAI and BDI.

Results
The study sample consisted of 534 students. Overall, the average BMI was 23.7 ± 4.5. The adjusted model showed that neither the number of fruit and vegetable portions nor the frequency of eating meat, fish and seafood were associated with a lower BMI. The same model confirmed that neither the number of fruit and vegetable portions per day nor the frequency of eating meat, fish and seafood were associated with a lower waist circumference. However, a regular intake of breakfast was associated with a lower waist circumference (B -1.882; 95% confidence interval -3.59, -0.17; p = 0.031).

Conclusions
Regular intake of breakfast is associated with a lower waist circumference among health sciences students in Northern Kosovo. Providing opportunities for breakfast intake on the school campus should be one of the main goals of the school authorities.

Key messages
• Regular intake of breakfast may help health sciences students have a lower waist circumference.
• Prioritizing breakfast intake can be beneficial for students’ health.
Rapid review of evidence to inform the Northern Ireland Obesity Prevention Strategy 2023-33
Authors: Reynolds CME , Mack J B , McAvoy H 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
The Department of Health in Northern Ireland is leading on the development of a 10-year strategy on obesity prevention (2023-33). The Institute of Public Health conducted a rapid review to identify international policies relating to obesity prevention to populate a ‘policy options matrix’ and support obesity policy development.

Methods
A rapid review was conducted on nine policy measures. The search was conducted in May 2022 and included any systematic review published in the English language in the last ten years available on PubMed and had no conflicts of interest declared. Where no systematic review evidence was available the criteria were expanded to include any type of review level evidence. The search was conducted by two researchers who assessed returned articles in a two-stage screening process.

Results
51 review articles (48 systematic reviews, two scoping and one narrative review) met all inclusion criteria. The articles were summarised into a policy options matrix under the headings; author/year, aim, country/countries, type of evidence, evidence quality, target population, results, equity impact and unintended consequences. The findings were summarised and categorised as follows: food labelling, food packaging, food reformulation, taxation/subsidies, advertising, marketing and sponsorship, food and physical activity environment, and target population policy measures including socially disadvantaged groups and indigenous groups.

Conclusions
The majority of review articles reported low to moderate evidence quality. The most consistent evidence was for policies that aimed to make healthier options the most accessible, cheapest, and appealing and in policies which reduced access to and/or increased the prices of food and drinks high in fat, salt or sugar.

Key messages
• The most effective policies are those improve the food and physical activity environment in which people are born, live, and learn.
• Evidence also supports policies which target specific population groups.
LIFE Climate Smart Chefs; qualitative insights for a sustainable food service
Authors: Martin S , O'Brien K , Nicholson W , Magnani A , Antonelli M , Castaldi S , Kirwan L B 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Innovative technologies can accelerate the transition to sustainable business practices in the hospitality and food service (HaFS) sector. In order for technologies to be adopted, challenges and opportunities need to be evaluated in order to ensure an effective implementation across the sector from operators and catering staff. Virtual roundtable discussions were held as semi-structured focus groups to identify challenges and opportunities related to technology use in the HaFS sector under three themes; business and economic, functional, and political challenges. 61 participants registered for the “Technology Tools for Chefs” sessions online. Feedback was transcribed and analysed. Challenges identified included a lack of knowledge and disinterest in technology, financial concerns, and a lack of government support. Opportunities included waste management, improved recipe and menu engineering, and showcasing sustainable practices. Business and economic opportunities include efficient time management, integrating sustainable practices, and using technology to predict consumer demands. Political opportunities included more accessible grants, clearer regulation guidance, and facilitating a transition towards sustainable practices. Qualitative research is crucial for identifying and providing solutions to challenges in transitioning to sustainable business practices. Solutions identified include staff training, improved accessibility of funding, and collaboration between businesses, officials, and stakeholders. Promoting sustainability through innovative technology in the food industry requires collaboration between businesses, government officials, and stakeholders to overcome the challenges and achieve sustainable development goals. Overall, the roundtable discussion provided valuable insight on pathways to a sustainable food sector.

Key messages
• Qualitative research provides an evidence base to support a transition to sustainable business practices.
• Incentives included education, improved resources, accessibility of funding, and collaboration.
Geospatial mapping of food advertisements in three low-income communities in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Wentzel A , Eichinger M , Hill J , von Philipsborn P , Holliday N , Delobelle P , Mchiza Z 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
The South African food environment is characterized by pervasive marketing on television and in print media of unhealthy food and beverages. Little is known about the extent of outdoor food and beverage marketing (product, spatial advertising, branding) at transport interchange areas, community food outlets, and schools. Our study aimed to map outdoor food and beverage marketing within the vicinities of these areas in three low-income communities in Cape Town.

Methods
Data on food and beverage-related branding, product type, placement, pictures, and Global Positioning System coordinates were captured using a web-based questionnaire. Geographic Information System software was used to delimit the target communities and areas, geospatially map the physical food environment, and perform spatial analysis of the data.

Results
Overall, 986 food and beverage advertisement entries were observed. Preliminary results depicted trends of advertisements clustering around retailers. Spatial trends depicted that fast food and sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) advertisements were likely to collocate around transport interchange areas, while SSB advertisements were more likely to collocate near schools. The spatial trend for alcohol advertisements indicated a clustering near main roads. Spatial trends for product types varied by location. Few advertisements for fruit and vegetables were captured. Further spatial analysis is underway to assess advertisement density and proximity to youth-related areas, food outlets, and transport interchange areas.

Conclusions
Low-income communities, commuters, and schoolchildren in South Africa are targeted by advertisements for unhealthy foods and SSBs, indicating the need for policy intervention to regulate food marketing.

Key messages
• Geospatial mapping of food and beverage advertisements indicated the promotion of unhealthy products in low-income communities in South Africa.
• Food and beverage adverts target school children and commuters using public transport in poorer communities.