bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Time series analysis on tuberculosis cases in Kazakhstan from 2014 to 2025
Authors: Yerdessov S , Arupzhanov I , Aimyshev T , Makhammajanov Z , Kadyrov S , Kashkynbayev A , Gaipov A 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) model is widely used for forecasting infectious disease incidence, including TB. However, there is a lack of comprehensive research on TB epidemiology and predictions for the future in Kazakhstan. Therefore, this study adopted a time series analysis of 72 monthly observations of reported TB cases in Kazakhstan from 2014-2019. The study used monthly health data from 2014-2019 for TB cases obtained from large-scale administrative records. The methodology involved using the Augmented Dickey-Fuller test for determining stationarity, ACF and PACF for identifying model parameters, and AIC/BIC for selecting the best SARIMA model, which was evaluated based on R2 score, MAE, and MAPE. The modeling dataset comprised monthly TB notification rates from 2014 to 2018, while the forecasting dataset comprised data from 2019. The findings suggest that the SARIMA model demonstrated some efficacy in predicting TB notification rates, although there remains scope for enhancing its precision. The time series was stationary after the first difference (ADF test: t-value of -3.25, P &lt; 0.001) and not a white noise (P &lt; 0.01). Based on ACF and PACF graphs, a SARIMA (0,1,0) (0,1,0)12 model was deemed to be the most appropriate forecasting model, with an R2 score of 0.43, MAE of 89.73 and MAPE of 0.08. To develop effective forecasting models for TB incidence, this study examined monthly TB cases in Kazakhstan from 2014 to 2019 and analyzed the seasonal patterns of TB occurrence. It is important to note that these results are preliminary and necessitate additional validation. Future studies will include correlation analyses between TB cases and meteorological data, using more recent data for TB cases, and evaluating various TB incidence forecasting models.

Key messages
• A SARIMA model developed for TB in Kazakhstan showed decreasing trend using time series analysis.
• Evidence-based strategies for TB prevention & control, and importance of monitoring & forecasting TB incidence highlighted in this study.
Dual trajectories of insomnia symptoms and BMI and their associations with cognitive functioning
Authors: Etholén A , Kouvonen A , Hänninen M , Kulmala J , Rahkonen O , Mänty M , Lallukka T 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Insomnia symptoms and high body mass index (BMI) are separately associated with poorer cognitive functioning. However, little is known about dual associations of sleep and obesity, and the changes in subjective cognitive functioning. We used a person-oriented approach to identify these dual trajectories and their associations with changes in subjective cognitive functioning.

Methods
Repeated surveys of the Helsinki Health Study (n = 2360, 79% women,40-60 years at baseline) were used to identify developmental patterns of insomnia symptoms and BMI (2000-2017) and changes in subjective cognitive functioning (2017-2022). Subjective cognitive functioning was inspected in three dimensions: memory, concentration, and learning ability problems. Latent group-based dual trajectory modeling and logistic regression analysis were used.

Results
Regarding dual trajectories of insomnia and BMI, three latent groups were selected for each. Insomnia symptoms defined as: stable low, decreasing and increasing symptoms; and BMI as: stable healthy weight (BMI &lt; 25), stable overweight (BMI 25-29.9) and stable obesity (BMI ≥ 30). While BMI and insomnia symptoms can develop together, this study suggests that the higher likelihood of reporting poorer memory, concentration, and learning ability problems, is explained by insomnia symptoms at all levels of BMI. Thus, BMI was not associated with cognitive functioning, while increasing insomnia symptoms were associated with poorer perceived cognitive functioning for all measures examined (odds ratios ranged from 1.8 to 2.9, all statistically significant)

Conclusions
Dual development of insomnia and overweight is possible, but only insomnia seems to be associated with changes in subjective cognitive functioning at all BMI levels. A potential intervention point to prevent or postpone cognitive decline in later life starts likely years or even decades before retirement, when the risk factors emerge or start to increase.

Key messages
• The association between dual trajectories of insomnia symptoms and BMI and subjective cognitive decline is dominated by insomnia symptoms.
• Our results showed that developmental patterns of insomnia symptoms are associated with decline in subjective cognitive functioning.
Comparison of response patterns in national surveys among Finnish adult population in 2020 and 2022
Authors: Parikka S , Ikonen J , Tolonen H , Lundqvist A 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Self-administered survey questionnaires are an important data collection tool in public health research and epidemiology. These questionnaires can be completed electronically, which allows larger sample size and faster speed of data collection while reduced cost. Yet, a web survey might be a less feasible for older individuals. We evaluated the response patterns in the two recent surveys in 2020 and 2022.

Methods
We analysed the data from FinSote 2020 (n = 31,817) and Healthy Finland 2022 (n = 30,307) surveys in Finland. In both, invitees (aged 20+) were contacted four times via postal letter. A concurrent mixed-mode approach allowed for the invited individuals to complete either a web questionnaire or an identical paper questionnaire. In both surveys, the oldest age group (75+) received a paper questionnaire three times and those aged 20-54 years received it only once. In 2022, the survey design was changed so that a paper questionnaire was sent twice (instead of three times) for those aged 55-74 years compared to 2020.

Results
The overall response rate was 47 % both in 2022 and 2020. Persons aged 75 + rarely responded to web questionnaire, less than 10 % answered in web. Instead, among persons aged 20-54 years, around 80 % completed the web survey. The response mode for the web survey increased significantly from 32% to 46% for two years period. The largest increase in the proportion which completed the web survey was found in respondents aged 55-74 years (from 19 % to 49 %). In them, however, the response rate declined from 60 % to 58 %.

Conclusions
In mixed-mode surveys, push-to-web approach can shift respondents to a web survey without greatly impacting response rate. However, without offering a paper questionnaire, older people are likely to be missing resulting potentially biased estimates.

Key messages
• Completing survey in web has increased recent years. This may be partly due to COVID-19 pandemic that led to a shift towards use of digital apps and online services.
• The move to the web-based surveys save the costs without impacting response rates.
Perceived discrimination and mental health among Syrian refugees in Norway: A cross sectional study
Authors: Dadras O , Diaz E 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Discrimination in the host country can be related to the mental health of refugees. This study assessed the association of discrimination with Syrian refugees’ mental health in Norway.

Methods
This cross-sectional study used data from the Integration for Health project (2022-23) in which 154 Syrian refugees who resettled in Norway in 2018-19 (n = 464) were interviewed after informed consent. Perceived discrimination was assessed by four questions adopted from the refugee post-migration stress scale (RPMS) in four domains: discrimination by authorities, nationality, race, and at work/school, and a composite variable with two alternative responses (never/rarely, sometimes/often) was created. Mental health was measured as psychological distress on HSCL-10 scale (scores&gt;1.85), and post-traumatic stress symptoms on HTQ scale (scores&gt;2.5). Chi-square and logistic regression assessed the relationship of perceived discrimination with mental health in separate models adjusted for age, sex, education, income, and marital status. To account for non-response, outcome-specific sampling weights were calculated and applied.

Results
The mean age was 39 years. Almost half (54%) were female. An estimated 12%, 15%, 14%, and 13% of participants, sometimes or often experienced discrimination by authorities, colleagues at work/school, nationality, or race respectively. The prevalence of psychological distress and PTSD symptoms was 28% and 5%, respectively. The perceived discrimination was significantly associated with higher psychological distress and PTSD symptoms.

Conclusions
Syrian refugees in Norway who have experienced discrimination are more likely to suffer from psychological distress and PTSD. Future policies and interventions should aim at promoting social inclusion and the implementation of anti-discrimination policies.

Key messages
• There is a strong association between perceived discrimination and poor mental health.
• Future policies and interventions should aim at promoting social inclusion and implementation of anti-discrimination policies in employment, housing, and education.
Inequalities in accessing COVID-19 healthcare for migrants and ethnic minorities: a systematic review
Authors: Bellini A , De Marchi C , Tosti M E , D'Angelo F , Declich S , Scarso S , Mazzalai E , Marchetti G , Sabato M , Marceca M 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

The COVID19 pandemic has had a major impact on lower socioeconomic groups and minorities in terms of risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, morbidity and mortality. It was defined as a syndemic because of its interaction with pre-existing socioeconomic determinants of health, worsening health outcomes. The study aims to investigate whether Migrants and Ethnic Minority populations (MEMs) faced more inequalities in access to prevention, diagnosis and treatment for COVID19 compared to the native population in the WHO European region. We conducted a systematic review searching the following databases: Medline, Embase, Biosis, Scisearch, Esbiobase. Quantitative and quali-quantitative studies on MEMs’ access to healthcare for COVID19 in the WHO European Region published from January 2020 to February 2022 were eligible. A total of 19 studies were included, around 65% of the studies were conducted in UK. Most studies (11) investigated vaccine hesitancy, five were about vaccine execution, three on access to information and to testing for COVID19. All studies reported greater vaccine hesitancy among the target population compared to white ethnicity and all of those investigating vaccination uptake pointed out that MEMs had lower odds of being vaccinated; finally, MEMs population resulted to face more difficulties in accessing COVID19 information and testing. These findings highlight the inequalities MEMs population faced accessing healthcare services for COVID19. Social determinants of health are one of the main factors involved in the genesis of health inequalities: a framework of structural racism leading to lower trust in government choices, together with a disadvantaged socio-economic status, determined inequalities in accessing healthcare services and health information. Our study underlines the need for policymakers to prioritize strategies for building trust and engage MEMs, and to overcome the socio-economic barriers when designing health promotion programs.

Key messages
• MEMs population faced higher barriers to the access to vaccination, turned out to be more vaccine hesitant and faced more difficulties in access to Covid-19 information and testing.
• The study underlines the need of finding strategies for building trust and engage ethnic minorities, and to overcome the socio-economic barriers when designing health promotion programs.
Orthodox Jews and factors affecting COVID-19 vaccination: Lessons learned for public health
Authors: Shapiro E 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Orthodox Jews in general, and Haredi (often called Ultra-Orthodox) Jews in particular, have been disproportionately harmed by the COVID-19 pandemic and are typically less vaccinated. However, not enough is known about causal factors, especially social and religious factors, and the interactions between them.

Aim
To determine what influences COVID-19 vaccination among Orthodox Jews in the U.S..

Methods
U.S. Orthodox Jewish communities across seven states were surveyed using a convenience sample. Questions were asked about COVID-19-related behaviors and attitudes, religious behaviors and attitudes, information sources, trust in health experts, and sociodemographics. The primary outcome measure was vaccination status. Descriptive analyses and multivariable modified Poisson regressions were performed.

Results
There were 3,249 respondents. Haredi Jews were less likely to vaccinate than other Orthodox Jews but more likely to have had COVID-19 and believe vaccination was unnecessary. Distrust of COVID-19 information from health experts was high across communities, highest for Haredi Jews. Multivariable regressions showed significantly reduced risk of not being vaccinated across communities when friends were vaccinated and when spiritual leaders supported vaccination. Impact of personal doctors endorsing the vaccine was more limited. Concerns about COVID-19 vaccine safety, but not effectiveness, impacted vaccination rates.

Discussion
Trust-building and increased cultural competence can help public health systems and other health entities work more effectively with Orthodox Jews, especially Haredim. The social environment of these groups, including friends and spiritual advisers, may also be underutilized pathways to increasing vaccination. These steps can potentially reduce health inequalities and improve health in these communities not only for COVD-19 but other health issues in the future.

Key messages
• Religious attitudes and beliefs can affect vaccination rates for a number of reasons.
• There is a need for increased trust and greater partnership between the faith-based and public health communities.
CLIMIGRANT: An educational resource about climate change, human movements and health
Authors: Merry L , Hunt M , Hurlimann T , Schriever S , Tzoneva T 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Climate change in combination with other social, economic, and political factors, can result in population displacement, relocation or migration, which may be forced or may be a voluntary adaptation strategy. For some, however, moving is not an option due to a lack of access to resources, capacity and power. These experiences have implications for health. Our objective was to develop an educational resource to raise awareness about climate change and their impacts on human movement and health.

Methods
This project was an initiative of the Quebec Population Health Research Network, in Quebec, Canada. A survey was distributed to 28 network members who have diverse expertise, including migration, climate change, environmental sciences, law, ethics, and public health, to identify key themes and messages to convey, and to gather supporting references and materials. A workshop was subsequently held with 10 survey participants to brainstorm ideas for the content, approach and format. A core working group then developed CLIMIGRANT in consultation and collaboration with a number of experts.

Results
Two illustrated stories (for a general public, including children) and an online course (for students, frontline workers, researchers and other stakeholders) were developed in English and French (available at Climigrant.org). Each provides an overview of how climate induced disasters or environment changes can result in inequitable and complex situations regarding migration/relocation. They also highlight the number of health consequences, both physical and psychological, and challenges related to addressing these. Solutions for prevention and adaptation are presented as well. The resource illustrates how anyone can be affected by climate change, regardless of where they live and conveys a message of solidarity and collective responsibility.

Conclusions
CLIMIGRANT can be used to inform and educate a broad population on climate change, human movement and health.

Key messages
• A diversity of methods can be used to raise awareness about climate change, human movements and health.
• Anyone, anywhere can be impacted and displaced by climate change and we all have a role to play in addressing climate change and its impacts.
How School Food Environments Influence Food Choices: Evidence from Citizen Science and Focus Groups
Authors: Gell S , Pejkovic E , Heiss R 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Adolescents, as lucrative targets of food producers, encounter high-choice school food environments that offer an excess of highly processed foods. However, there is limited data on the actual food supply inside and around Austrian schools, adolescents preferences, and how it affects their food choices. To bridge this gap, our study employs an innovative mixed-methods approach to explore adolescents’ food choices.

Methods
In Study 1, we conducted a citizen science study with students as volunteer scientists who categorized 953 food items from 144 food suppliers in and around their schools based on the Austrian food pyramid. Study 2 explored students’ food preferences in four focus groups with 25 students (11 male, 14 female) aged between 12 and 15, each conducted at a different school in Tyrol. We then correlated the results of individual preferences with the documented food supply.

Results
The results of Study 1 revealed that the food supply in the investigated schools was predominantly categorized as unhealthy. The students classified 46% of the items as ‘unhealthy,’ 32% as ‘intermediate,’ and only 22% as ‘healthy.’ In Study 2, we identified three influential factors in students’ food choices: 1) individual factors (such as taste and preferences), 2) social factors (such as interactions with peers), and 3) structural factors (such as physical environment and accessibility).

Conclusions
The study indicates that current school food environments are dominated by unhealthy products, which cater to unhealthy preferences among adolescents. To address this issue, policies should aim to create accessible and fun spaces where food supplies are presented in an attractive way. This includes providing areas where students can mingle and express their identities.

Key messages
• Attractive presentation of healthy foods in locations, which cater to the social needs of adolescent students, are key to foster and consolidate healthy food choices.
• Improve accessibility and supply of healthy food choices in school food environments.
Food in the community daycare center: is it all about nutrition?
Authors: Avraham R , Davidovitch N , Shapira S 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
As the world's population continue to age, it's crucial to prioritize interventions that enhance quality of life, well-being, and health of older people. Sustainable environments that fulfill basic needs such as food and nutrition can aid in meeting the social needs of seniors, including belonging, autonomy, independence, and safety. The study aims to understand the experiences and meanings of eating and dining among seniors in community daycare centers, and how they support their social needs, with to goal of identifying effective strategies for promoting their health and well-being.

Methods
This qualitative study involved conducting seven focus groups of seniors (n = 23); interviews with settings managers (n = 7); and observations carried out between May to November 2022. Through content analysis, we identified key categories and themes that emerged from the data.

Results
The analysis revealed three main themes related to the experiences and perceptions of food and nutrition among seniors at the daycare center: (1) personal needs: seniors expressed a need for autonomy in selecting food, building menus, and choosing sitting arrangements. They also emphasized the importance of having access to hot and balanced meals (food security) that reflected their cultural and personal preferences. (2) Social needs: the need for companionship during mealtimes (comparing to eating alone at home), being cared for, and participation in social events such as dining out or attending picnics and parties. (3) Health-related needs: customized and healthy diets, education on healthy eating habits, and the use of reusable dishes and food waste reduction strategies to support environmental sustainability.

Conclusions
Meeting the personal, social, and health-related needs of seniors through better food planning and service can improve their well-being and quality of life, and contribute to public health.

Key messages
• Eating and dining in seniors’ settings is not only about nutrition but also about preserving health and well-being.
• Interventions should focus on the opportunities that dining provides.
UK food system vulnerability to climate change: scoping review of food system indicators
Authors: Turner G , Green R , Law C , Cornelsen L 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Climate change poses a future risk to the UK's food supply and food security, both in terms of domestic production and imports. Direct climate impacts on crop yields affect food production, nutrient composition and bioavailability whereas indirect supply chain impacts affect access and affordability of food. Indicators and methods for measuring the UK food system vulnerability are essential for understanding climate change impacts.

Aim
To identify potential indicators for monitoring climate change impacts on food systems (relevant to UK) and compare with current UK processes for impact monitoring.

Methods
A scoping review was conducted to identify climate-related food system indicators across 4 domains: food supply, food environment, food consumption and food waste. Nine electronic databases were searched for published articles in peer-reviewed journals. Grey literature searches included Google Scholar, Government websites and organisations. Thematic analysis of indicators was carried out by food system domain, methods, spatial level and outcome.

Results
After screening 5,260 articles, 54 papers were analysed and presented 752 climate-related food system indicators. Most indicators were in the food supply (n = 505) or food consumption (n = 139) domain. Thematic analysis of indicators revealed key themes as crop yields, water availability, biodiversity and soil health, production and supply, imports/exports, supply chain disruption, food price impacts, affordability, nutrition, food security, food waste. A vast range of indicators are available to monitor UK food system vulnerability to climate change, however, currently only climate impacts on food supply processes are extensively monitored compared with impacts to food environment or consumption.

Conclusions
To support policy makers in implementing food system interventions to mitigate the impacts of climate change, data, indicators and monitoring mechanisms are critical for UK decision-making.

Key messages
• To support policy makers in implementing food system interventions to mitigate the impacts of climate change, data, indicators and monitoring mechanisms are critical for UK decision-making.
• Monitoring the climate impacts on food systems and food security requires systematic, rigorous data collection across all domains of the food system to protect health.