bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Barriers and enablers to delivery of Making Every Contact Count: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Hayes C B , Meade O , O'Brien M , Noone C , Lawless A , McSharry J , Murphy A , Murphy P J , O'Reilly O , Byrne M 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
The public health impact of the Irish Making Every Contact Count (MECC) brief intervention programme is dependent on delivery by healthcare professionals. We aimed to identify enablers and modifiable barriers to MECC intervention delivery to optimize MECC implementation.

Methods
Online cross-sectional survey design. Healthcare professionals (n = 4050) who completed MECC eLearning were invited to complete an online survey based on the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Multiple regression analysis identified predictors of MECC delivery (logistic regression to predict delivery or not; linear regression to predict the frequency of delivery). Data were visualized using Confidence Interval-Based Estimates of Relevance (CIBER).

Results
Seventy-nine percent of participants (n = 283/357) had delivered a MECC intervention. In the multiple logistic regression (Nagelkerke's R2 = .34), the significant enablers of intervention delivery were ‘professional role’ (OR = 1.86 [1.10, 3.15]) and ‘intentions/goals’ (OR = 4.75 [1.97, 11.45]); significant barriers included ‘optimistic beliefs about consequences’ (OR = .41 [.18, .94]) and ‘negative emotions’ (OR = .50 [.32, .77]). In the multiple linear regression (R2 = .29), the significant enablers of frequency of MECC delivery were ‘intentions/goals’ (b = 10.16, p = .02) and professional role (b = 6.72, p = .03); the significant barriers were ‘negative emotions’ (b = −4.74, p = .04) and ‘barriers to prioritisation’ (b = −5.00, p = .01). CIBER analyses suggested six predictive domains with substantial room for improvement: ‘intentions and goals', ‘barriers to prioritisation', ‘environmental resources', ‘beliefs about capabilities', ‘negative emotions’ and ‘skills'.

Conclusions
High levels of brief intervention delivery were identified, however, there were also many missed opportunities and significant barriers to delivery.

Key messages
• Implementation interventions to enhance MECC delivery should target intentions, goals, beliefs about capabilities, negative emotions, environmental resources, skills, and barriers to prioritization.
• Future interventions should address these barriers by: (a) supporting setting intentions and goals; (b) improving training and (c) ensuring the environment is conducive to MECC delivery.
Using the QATCHEPP quality assessment tool to critically reflect on health promotion practice
Authors: OHara L , Taylor J 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Issue
Critical health promotion is required to reduce health inequities and is distinguished from selective health promotion by its focus on the unequal distribution of structural and systemic privilege and power. This approach is central to progressing global priorities of health equity and sustainable development. However, much practice remains selectively oriented to a biomedical-behavioural approach. The Quality Assessment Tool for Critical Health Promotion Practice (QATCHEPP) was designed to support practitioners to engage in critical reflection on health promotion initiatives to assess the extent to which they align with a critical approach.

Project description
This project was a case study conducted in 2023. The objective was to use QATCHEPP to critically reflect on a place-based health promotion project. The case study question was to what extent does the health promotion project align with a critical approach? QATCHEPP includes three reflection questions for 10 critical health promotion values and principles, scored as strongly critical (2), somewhat critical (1), minimally or not at all critical (0), or insufficient evidence to be rated (0). Total scores for each value and principle and an overall summary score were calculated.

Results
The QATCHEPP summary score was 55% indicating that the project was somewhat aligned with a critical approach, with highest scores for assuming that people are doing their best for their wellbeing, and maximum beneficence, and lowest scores for consideration of non-maleficence and a salutogenic approach.

Lessons
QATCHEPP is an innovative and useful tool for critically reflecting on the extent to which health promotion initiatives align with a critical approach. We recommend that findings from such critical reflection be used by practitioners to identify where initiatives may benefit from re/orientation towards a more critical health promotion approach in any setting or country.

Key messages
• Practitioners should engage in critical reflection to determine the extent to which health promotion initiatives align with a critical health promotion approach.
• QATCHEPP is an innovative and useful quality assessment tool to support critical reflection. Findings can be used to re/orient health promotion practice towards a more critical approach.
Is scientific knowledge or trust responsible for preventive behaviours during COVID-19 pandemic?
Authors: Yaddanapudi L , Hahn J 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
When the public exhibit high levels of trust in science, adoption of new technologies becomes easier. Yet, one can note a crisis of trust in science, as declared by the UK Government in 2000, which found that lowering trust causes less public support for science. Especially in precarious situations like the COVID-19 pandemic, quick acceptance and adoption of regulations, measures and technologies are important.

Objectives
To identify whether scientific knowledge or trust in science, health institutions & governments lead to preventive behaviours during COVID-19 pandemic, & greater acceptance of technologies designed to battle it.

Methods
An online public opinion survey is conducted in Germany (n1=1000) and India (n2=1000) using stratified random sampling. The questionnaire consists of 4 sections: COVID-19 knowledge, preventive behaviours during various phases of the pandemic, trust in self & institutions, and acceptance of technologies. Knowledge items are scored, and preventive behaviours are evaluated in categories. The trust section consists of imaginary scenarios in each of the components of trust - integrity, responsiveness, reliability, openness and fairness. These trust scenarios identify the level of trust in individuals, close friends & family, scientists & researchers, and the government. Correlations between knowledge scores, preventive behaviours, trust, and acceptance of technologies are explored and reported.

Results
It is expected that knowledge can be correlated to preventive behaviours. But, for acceptance of technologies, it is expected that trust might play a greater role rather than knowledge.

Conclusions
This study is unique in its design where public trust is not just a single variable but is measurable due to severable scenarios for each of the components of trust. Additionally, this study provides a direction for policy and institutional responses to future pandemics- answering whether to focus on knowledge or build more trust.

Key messages
• Online, representative public opinion surveys in Germany & India compare and contrast whether knowledge or trust is responsible for preventive behaviours and acceptance of technologies during COVID-19.
• Adoption of new technologies becomes easier when public exhibit higher levels of trust. However, knowledge can be important for preventive behaviours.
Health promoting schools in Iceland - SHE4AHA Erasmus+ project
Authors: Gudmundsdottir I , Karlsdottir S 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
The Green paper on ageing recognizes learning and experience in early childhood influences our lives. Healthy childhood in general shapes our future prospect, health situation and well-being. SHE4AHA Erasmus+ project approaches the Green paper and this work is lead by Schools for Health in Europe Network Foundation (SHE) in cooperation with researchers and coordinators for Health promoting schools in five countries. The green paper advocates for interventions and activities, which will help to laying the right foundation for early in life, preventing, limiting, and postponing some of the challenges linked to ageing. This could help European member states to fulfil the objective of adding healthier years to the life expectancy.

Description
The objective of SHE4AHA is to show Health Promoting School (HPS) framework used as a validated and evidence-based contribution to implement the Green paper on ageing that calls for solutions to support healthy and active ageing from an early age. The SHE4AHA project involves 15 pilot schools in five European countries, Iceland, Portugal, Denmark, France, and Slovenia. These schools receive training, coaching and support to work with the whole school approach for HPS. The SHE4AHA project started in March 2022 and will finish in February 2025. Each pilot school is working with aim on project selected of them to try out for the schoolyear 2022-2023.

Lessons and results
All pilot schools work with a pixie version of the SHE Manual made for the project. The school systems in the countries are very different and there is need for a little different approach for the countries. The three pilot schools in Iceland are also working with the Icelandic frame of being a HPS. The supporting material is e.g., checklists and interactive website. Results have shown e.g., need to increase and recognise appropriate resources like time and flexibility for coordinators at schools.

Key messages
• Health promoting framework built on the Ottawa Charter the process, enabling individuals and communities to increase control over the determinants of health to live an active and a productive life.
• In the development process of health promoting schools, school principals, school management, teachers, other school staff, pupils and community partners need to be involved.
Capability approach to evaluate real-world effectiveness of social services
Authors: Mäki-Opas T , Batbaatar E , Kauppinen-Perttula U M , Metteri A , Männistö L , Jäppinen M , Riekkinen-Tuovinen S , Joubert L , Anand J 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
The capability approach offers a comprehensive framework for the evaluation of conditions for wellbeing in terms of how well society promotes equal opportunities, skills, and the ability to lead a good life. The aim of this study was to utilize the capability approach to evaluate the real-world effectiveness of health social work among those with experienced negative life-events.

Methods
“Evidencing the effectiveness of health social work assessment and intervention” (Terva, 2021-2023) quasi-experimental data with mixed methods collected in real-world conditions across three hospital districts. The baseline data (intervention=266 and comparison=255) is collected and 6 months follow-up study is lasting until June 2023. Questionnaire data among participants included validated measures of perceived capabilities and background variables (age, gender, education, income) and among social workers (the evaluation of needs). Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) while adjusting background variables at baseline and qualitative analyses will be applied.

Results
People with negative life-events perceived their capabilities as being lower than general adult population. These differences were especially reflected to live a healthy life and form satisfying social relationships. In baseline, the intervention group also demonstrated significantly lower capabilities compared to the comparison group. The detailed results of the real-world effectiveness of health social work on capabilities within and between intervention and comparison groups will be presented at the conference.

Conclusions
Our study is one of the first ones to utilize capability approach to examine real-world effectiveness of social services among those negative life events. Future studies should also include the commodities, converting factors and individual agency into the analyses and try to capture the dynamic process of the realization of capabilities and agency with a longer follow-up up to 24 months.

Key messages
• Capability Approach (CA) provides useful tool for evaluating effectiveness of social services in terms of promoting health and wellbeing of the customers.
• CA could be utilized for developing more empowering and effective wellbeing policies targeted to the specific customer-centered needs.
Rapid assessment of the mental well-being of general practitioners in Serbia during crises
Authors: Šantrić Milićević M , Bukumirić Z , Tripković K , Bjelica N , Dinić M , Van Poel E , Willems S 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
General practitioners - GPs are at risk of greater exposure to multiple stressors during emergencies. To help primary care crisis preparedness planning, we rapidly assessed GPs’ mental well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic using a cross-sectional design, and after examining the 9-item Mayo Clinic Well-being Index (MWBI) correlation with the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale - 21 Items (DASS21).

Methods
During the PRICOV-19 international study, January - June 2021, we distributed the MWBI questionnaire (forward-backwards translated) and a standardized Serbian version of DASS21 to all GPs licensed at the Serbian Medical Chamber for self-administration. Pearson's r tested the correlation of the MWBI with the DASS21 scores. Multivariate linear regression analysis identified factors of the GPs’ poorer mental well-being (if higher than the cutoff of 2).

Results
116 GPs, aged 24 - 68 years (median age = 42), participated in the study, of which 78.4% were females. A total of 101 respondents completed both questionnaires. The mean of the MWBI scores was 3,3 (SD 2.6) and ranged from -2 to 9, with a median of 3. Using a cutoff of MWBI ≥2, 71.3% of participants were considered at risk of distress. MWBI score correlated strongly, positively and significantly with the DASS21 total score (r = 0.791; p &lt; 0,001), as well as with the DASS21 subscales (i.e. depression (r = 0.730; p &lt; 0,001), anxiety (r = 0.660; p &lt; 0,001), and stress (r = 0.759; p &lt; 0,001)). A lower level of material status of respondents (B = - 0,882; p &lt; 0,001) and lack of time to uptake clinical guidelines (B = - 0,600; p = 0,001) were independently and significantly related to higher MWBI scores.

Conclusions
The MWBI correlates with the DASS21 scores to an acceptable level. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, two-thirds of Serbian GPs were at risk of distress, including those with lower material status and lack of time to uptake guidelines.

Key messages
• Assessing GP’s mental well-being should be included in emergency plans for primary care preparedness.
• Use of MWBI in crises helps validate and rapidly assess GPs’ mental well-being.
Mapping competencies taught in public health – Experience of the Europubhealth Consortium
Authors: Grimaud O , Barnes S , Bauernfeind A , Clemens T , Codd M , Donneau A F , Foucrier M , Sowada C , Czabanowska K 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Public health education aims at producing a competent workforce. The WHO-ASPHER framework proposes a set of relevant public health competencies organised in 10 sections (e.g. science practice, leadership, law policies and ethics etc). As part of the Europubhealth consortium (EPHc), eight universities collaborate for the delivery of a 2-year international public health master course. The course includes a first-year, or foundation component (4 options), and a second-year or specialisation component (7 options).

Objectives
In 2020, EPHc decided to use the framework in order to map the competencies addressed, and the level of proficiency aimed at, by each Y1 and Y2 option of the Master. To that end, component's coordinators answered an 84-item questionnaire covering the whole framework. Answers were summarised by calculating mean proficiency levels for each competency section.

Results
There were differences in overall proficiency levels between years with, as expected, higher scores in Y2. Options in Y1 reached medium to high proficiency scores for the sections “science practice”, “health promotion” and “communication” with scores of 2.6 to 3 (on a 1 to 4 scale). When compared with Y1 on a heat-map, Y2 options displayed more contrasted profiles, typically focussing (i.e. scores &gt; 3.5) on 3 out of the 10 sections of competencies. Except for the “collaborations and partnership” section, the training pathways offered by the EPHc seem to offer opportunities for a high proficiency level in all domains of competencies.

Conclusions
The mapping proved a useful exercise to identify strengths and complementarities among the EPHc. The results suggest that the EPHc master course is coherent and offers students opportunities to gain proficiency in most competencies relevant to public health practice.

Key messages
• Competency-based education is likely to shape the future public health workforce.
• The WHO-ASPHER framework proved a useful tool to map public health competencies addressed in the teaching of the Europubhealth international Master.
Strengthening public health professionals in implementing prevention: building a learning community
Authors: Van de Goor I , Leurs-Stijnen M , van Waardenburg T , Fransen-Kuppens G 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

In the past decades, Dutch health care policy has not succeeded in flattening increase in care demand and associated costs, nor in reducing the gap in healthy life expectancy between people lesser or better off. As a result, the Dutch government recently launched policies to stimulate high-quality, accessible and affordable healthcare for the future and to stimulate healthy and active living. At the heart of these policies is the implementation of integrated and cross-domain preventive approaches between primary care, the public health sector and the social domain, such as fall prevention among older people, lifestyle approaches combatting overweight in adults and children, and promoting wellbeing among people with psychosocial problems. Local governments and health insurers are held responsible for the performance of these preventive approaches, which require challenging alignment and fine tuning across local policy makers, care and service providers, and public health (PH) professionals.
Building a learning community: To optimally advise local governments, PH professionals need knowledge and skills on how to implement cross-domain preventive approaches successfully on a local level. Therefore, a learning community for PH professionals is initiated, financed by the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport. PH professionals of all public health services in the Netherlands participate. Experts from knowledge institutes, intervention designers and PH professionals contribute to the learning community. Evaluative research is carried out to get more insight into conditions and prerequisites for a more sustainable learning community. Furthermore, lessons learned will be applied as input for determining the conditions for realising a solid, national knowledge infrastructure around integrated and cross-domain preventive approaches.

Key messages
• To optimally advise local governments, public health professionals need knowledge and skills on how to implement cross-domain preventive approaches successfully on a local level.
• Lessons learned from working with a learning community serve as input for determining the conditions required for realising a knowledge infrastructure around integrated preventive approaches.
A three-country survey of stakeholders on Continuous Professional Development in Public Health
Authors: Chikhladze N , Pitskhelauri N , Skhvitaridze N , Lobjanidze T , Tadevosian A , Tadevosian N , Cebanu S 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Health and social care systems in Eastern Partnership Countries are in the process of “digital transformation”, and health professionals started widespread use of digital registers and databases. This challenge highlights the importance of upskilling workforces. However, in some of these countries there are not well functioning Continuous Professional Development (CPD) systems available and less attention is paid to widening access to life-long learning (LLL) education at High Educational Institutions (HEIs). Study aimed to explore the view of stakeholders on the needs and perspectives of CPD in the Public Health on the example of Georgia, Armenia and Moldova.

Methods
Quantitative research method was used. A special questionnaire was designed for the study.
Survey was administered in November-December 2022 in Georgia, Armenia and Moldova.

Results
In total, 122 stakeholders from various areas (Ministry of Health, PH institutions, hospitals, HEIs) participated in the survey with 58,7% being at a high management level and with 82.5% having more than 15 years of total working experience. The majority of respondents (94,6%) worked in the state sector. Study reveals several common needs and perspectives in all three countries. Majority of stakeholders (97,8%) suggested that there is a lack of qualified staff with the necessary competencies and skills. In addition, large share of stakeholders (95,7%) mentioned that there is a lack of training opportunities and relevant CPD Programs in e-health and digitalization, medical and social registries, electronic surveillance systems, as well lack of financial support (93,4%), absence of appropriate regulation (90,2%).

Conclusions
Stakeholders in Georgia, Armenia and Moldova considered that existing gaps can be filled through strengthening the national system of CPD and developing of high quality CPD Programs oriented on specific knowledge and skills in the Public Health.

Key messages
• It is important in Eastern Partnership Countries to develop CPD programs with a focus on digital skills according to the best European practice and experience.
• High Educational Institutions can play a significant role in delivering LLL for the health workforce in Public Health.
Workplace violence and psychoneurological symptoms in nurses
Authors: Magnavita N , Di Prinzio R R , Arnesano G , Gasbarri M , Meraglia I , Merella M , Nava G , Pulvirenti A , Rossi F , Vacca M E 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

For nurses, workplace violence (WV) is a serious occupational hazard. WV and occupational stress are inversely correlated. Sleep issues and headaches are early cognitive indicators of distress. This cross-sectional study aims to determine the frequency of verbal or physical abuse directed against nurses and investigate the link between WV and headaches and sleep issues. 550 nurses and nursing assistants (445 female, 80.9%; mean age 48.0±9.98 years) were asked to complete a standard questionnaire that included the Violent Incident Form (VIF), which asked about violent episodes experienced, the Headache Impact Test (HIT-6), which asked about headaches, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory (PSQI) about sleep quality, and the effort/reward imbalance questionnaire (ERI) about occupational stress. 7.5% of employees reported experiencing physical violence in the preceding year, while 17.5% reported non-physical violence. Workers who encountered violence had a higher risk of headaches and sleep issues in univariate logistic regression models. The connection between physical violence and headache remained significant after controlling for sex, age, work type, and ERI (adjusted odds ratio aOR= 2.25; confidence interval CI95%=1.11;4.57). In a multivariate logistic regression model adjusted for sex, age, job type, and ERI, all types of WV were substantially linked to poor sleep (aOR= 2.35 CI95%= 1.44;3.85). Additionally, the effects of headaches and the quality of sleep were linked to WV. The incidence of long-lasting psychoneurological symptoms, such as headaches and poor sleep, that interfere with work ability of nurses and patients’ safety, may be decreased with WV prophylaxis.

Key messages
• Workplace violence is associated with headache and sleep disturbances in nurses.
• Prevention of workplace violence could reduce neuropsychological disorders in nurses.