bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of access to housing on mental health and coping amongst Ukrainian refugees in England
Authors: Seguin M , Deinekhovska T , Fokaf O , Iemelianchuk K , Poppleton A , Roberts B , Sanderson C , Egan M 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Though the link between war-related trauma and poor mental health is well-established, less is known about stressors due to prolonged displacement, and how these relate to mental health. As the numbers of forcibly displaced persons rise worldwide, the associated mental health burden represents an urgent public health need. This qualitative paper explores housing-related stressors amongst adult female Ukrainian refugees England, mental health impacts, and coping responses.

Methods
We draw on 40 semi-structured interviews: 30 with Ukrainian refugee women, 10 with stakeholders (council staff, mental health professionals, staff/volunteers at relevant charities). Thematic analysis identified macro- and micro-level factors impacting housing access, perceived mental health and coping.

Results
Most of the Ukrainian sample were provided with housing for an initial 6 months. Facing the pervasive shortage in council housing, many were attempting to transfer into rented accommodation at interview time. These efforts were hindered by a lack of employment history, discrimination from landlords, and the language barrier. Interviewees linked these issues to high stress levels and deteriorating well-being, adding to their anxiety over the ongoing war. Coping centred on support-seeking (reaching out to councils, charities, other Ukrainians), distraction (exercise, volunteering), problem-solving (taking a methodical approach to problems), and cognitive restructuring (focusing on the positive).

Conclusions
Ukrainian refugees face significant barriers in accessing long-term housing in England, forcing some to choose between insecure housing and returning to a war zone. This bind has compounded mental health issues attributed to the trauma of leaving Ukraine and the ongoing war. Though refugees took an active approach to coping with housing hardships, resources to support the transition to long-term housing is necessary to better safeguard their mental health from further harm.

Key messages
• Ukrainian refugees face significant barriers in accessing housing in England, forcing some to choose between insecure housing and returning to an active war zone.
• Participants linked barriers to accessing housing to high stress levels and a deterioration of well-being, compounding trauma from fleeing Ukraine and anxiety over the ongoing war.
Israel’s repeal of sugar-sweetened beverages tax harms public health
Authors: Kamin-Friedman S , Davidovitch N , Yang Y T 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Issue
The consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) exerts negative consequences on both individual and public health. High sugar consumption is associated with the development of non-communicable diseases, increases health care costs, and reduces labor productivity. The WHO and the World Bank thus encourage countries to tax SSBs.

Description
In January 2023, the Israeli government decided to repeal the SSB tax which had been imposed a year earlier. Our study seeks to attain an in-depth understanding of the reasons for the tax repeal by analyzing such documents as parliamentary protocols and media articles.

Results
Israel's SSB tax was criticized severely by the ultra-orthodox community, which maintains a tradition of consuming sweets as part of its customs and culture. In the absence of a plan to change the community's habits, the tax was perceived as a politically motivated economic burden. Moreover, this perception was intensified by the ultra-orthodox political leaders, who portrayed the tax as unfairly targeting the ultra-orthodox community.

Lessons
When considering the implementation of a tax on SSBs, policymakers must ensure that this tax is not perceived as an economic sanction or as a means of targeting a specific community. To this end, it is critical to illustrate that the tax seeks solely to promote public health. The public should thus be informed about the harmful effects of SSBs and about the importance of reducing their consumption. Furthermore, this information should be adapted to different sectors and conveyed through various means. In this respect, it is particularly important to understand the attitudes and potential conflicts of closed communities and to obtain the support of community leaders.

Key messages
• To successfully implement an SSB tax, health authorities must clarify that the tax is a public health tool, not an economic or political sanction.
• Policy makers should endeavor to convince all communities to support and accept the transition to healthier beverages before taxing SSBs.
Embracing public health approaches to gambling? A review of global legislative and regulatory trends
Authors: Ukhova D , Marionneau V , Nikkinen J , Wardle H 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background/Issue
The public health community has increasingly called for governments to recognise the health harms associated with gambling, and for prevention policies to include population-based approaches. Whether and to what extent these calls have translated into actual policy-making globally has not been investigated. Our paper fills this gap.

Methods
Using Vixio Gambling Compliance database, we mapped the global availability of legal forms of gambling, changes in its provision, and the prevalence of gambling harm prevention policies. Using global case studies of 33 jurisdictions from across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Americas that introduced major changes to their gambling legislation in 2018-2021, we further analysed the extent to which protection of health and wellbeing is a priority within a changing gambling legislation and explored the extent to which individual- and population-based approaches to gambling-related harms are being integrated into policy.

Results
We find that over 80% of countries globally now permit gambling. Among the jurisdictions changing their gambling policies, protection of health and wellbeing is often secondary to revenue growth. Most prevention policies focus on individual responsibility and few jurisdictions aim to address the political, economic, or commercial determinants of gambling harms.

Conclusions/Lessons
Addressing gambling as a public health issue, thus, is not yet translating into comprehensive policy action across jurisdictions. This is a concern, given that legislative frameworks set the agenda for the regulation of gambling and the actions implemented. By providing new systematic comparative data on responses to gambling-related harms globally this paper will be useful both for public health researchers, and for health policy-makers and advocates around the globe looking to understand how other countries/jurisdictions are responding to this public health challenge.

Key messages
• While over 80% of countries globally now permit gambling, addressing gambling as a public health issue is not yet translating into comprehensive policy action across jurisdictions.
• Most newly introduced prevention policies focus on individual responsibility and few jurisdictions aim to address the political, economic, or commercial determinants of gambling harms.
Bottom-up approach to set research needs in healthcare
Authors: Ciannameo A , Vivoli V , Paltrinieri F , Negro A , Maltoni S , Rolli M 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Clinical research is a pivotal element for the Emilia-Romagna (Italy) healthcare system. Since 2004 the regional government has established “regional health research plans” that define priority research topics for the regional health system (RHS). Research on identified topics has been funded by periodic calls for public grants to support not for profit research carried out in regional public Hospitals and Local Health Trusts (LHTs). Until today, in Emilia-Romagna region, a top-down approach was used with regional decision-makers in identifying research themes to be investigated and funded. The goal of this intervention was to promote a bottom-up approach to identify research needs and survey research expectations from different stakeholders. To widely represent research needs and expectations, the research process involved not only decision-makers but also researchers, healthcare and social professionals, a citizens’ advisory committee. To enable every stakeholder to make a concrete contribution to the regional health research plan, innovative qualitative techniques such as focus group (FG) and Open Space Technology (OST) were used. Then, the material was analyzed by content analysis and a narrative synthesis of results was carried out. From January to December 2022, 160 regional stakeholders participated in 8 FGs and one OST. Research on health and social services emerged as the main ‘orphan’ area. Needs focused on the evaluation of services and factors affecting the quality of care, and on the development of new organizational models and research methods to assess organizational innovations. Research on interventions to improve community healthcare was indicated as an urgent need. The work highlights that the research on the organization of social and health services is one of the topic neglected. In particular the need to deepen the methodology and to study effective interventions to be implemented was expressed.

Key messages
• Research on health and social services emerged as the main ‘orphan’ area.
• The work returns results on research needs from a broad sample of stakeholders to policymakers to direct regional funding for research.
Mapping barriers and facilitators to healthcare provider payment reform
Authors: Ndayishimiye C , Tambor M , Katarzyna D J 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Health care systems are constantly evolving to better meet changing health needs and to adapt to external pressures. Reforms are therefore an integral part of health systems. One of the most common reforms concerns provider payment systems, including changes to payment methods. These are considered one of the most important levers through which policymakers can influence the performance of health system. The objective of this study was to identify, systemize and map the factors (barriers and facilitators) that influence provider payment reforms around the world.

Methods
A scoping literature review was conducted. The study followed the relevant methodological guidelines and the PRISMA-ScR checklist. The authors systematically searched the literature in five databases and manually in relevant organisations and journals. Studies published in English since 2000 were included. Data on factors influencing payment reform were analysed thematically using inductive approach.

Results
The study included 51 publications, mostly from developed countries (n = 36). The most commonly changed payment method was fee-for-service (72%, n = 37). The study identified 43 sub-themes on barriers (grouped into eight major themes) and 51 sub-themes on facilitators (grouped into six major themes). Barriers include stakeholder opposition, challenges related to reform design, hurdles in implementation structures, insufficient resources, challenges related to market structure, legal barriers, knowledge and information gaps, and negative publicity. Facilitating factors include stakeholder involvement, complementary policies, relevant prior experience, good leadership and management of change, sufficient resources, and external pressure to introduce the reform.

Conclusions
Factors influencing payment system reform are often interrelated, contextual, and represent a variety of perspectives, including those of patients, providers, insurers, and policymakers.

Key messages
• The same factor can act as a barrier or facilitator to provider payment reform, depending on the context.
• When planning payment reform, policymakers should anticipate the potential barriers and plan appropriate facilitating measures.
Guidelines for alcohol consumption in the era of ‘no safe levels’ - where do we stand?
Authors: Pulido Valente F 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Despite claims that moderation consumption could improve health outcomes, namely cardiovascular health, the latest scientific evidence shows there is no safe amount of alcohol consumption.
This study sought to determine the current definitions of standard drink and alcohol consumption guidelines across different nations.

Methods
Based on information from the WHO and the authors’ own judgment, a pool of countries with available data was created. In order to gather the required information, structured internet searches of relevant terms for each country were conducted.

Results
In 2015, a similar study was conducted but no actualizations were made afterwards. Currently, there has yet to be a standard drink definition agreed upon by every national government, and there are differences between what constitutes this standard drink. Countries have different guidelines for how much alcohol is safe to consume, and low-risk consumption guidelines vary considerably. There are also double standards for men and women. There are few governments that explicitly state that alcohol consumption should be zero.

Conclusions
National drinking recommendations and guidelines and standard drinking units differ considerably from country to country. It should be evaluated how this impacts public health since this is information available to the general public and can influence how citizens view what they should consume. Public dissemination of messages about so-called safe alcohol consumption levels, moderate alcohol consumption, or protective effects of alcohol consumption is against WHO recommendations, so state governments and national health institutes should consider this matter.

Key messages
• Countries do not have standardized public health definitions and messages concerning alcohol consumption.
• Public health practitioners should update the content of alcohol guidelines accessible to the public to accommodate the latest scientific evidence.
3.H. Workshop: Climate change and older people: a public health perspective with a focus on equity
Authors:   Organised by: EUPHA-ENV,   Chair persons: Andrea Schmidt (Austria), Angelique Mavrodaris (UK)
Published: October 2023

Abstract

The climate crisis has been recognized as the largest threat to human health in the 21st century, with frequent and prolonged heat waves and the related health consequences being a key concern in European countries. While in the public health discourse related to the climate crisis, older people have been identified as a vulnerable group in general, the needs, views and vulnerabilities of older people and the responsive actions required are currently poorly defined and lacking in detail. In addition, equity aspects are often neglected as older people are often addressed (only) as a broad target group (e.g. as the 65+). This workshop session will foster a knowledge, research and experience exchange on the situation of older people in the context of the climate crisis and increasing heatwaves in different European countries with a focus on lessons for implementation in public health. The contributions in the session use both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies to highlight the heterogeneity and vulnerabilities of different subgroups of older people; and the inequalities driving and resulting in the specific impacts of rising heat and climate change in this growing demographic group. The session will also review current heat wave policies and share evidence and best practice to inform the development of responsive public health solutions.

Key messages
• Older populations are more vulnerable to the impacts of climate instability and extreme weather events. Understanding which subgroups are at greater risk will enable better public health responses.
• Current policies provide limited insights on actions, barriers and enablers for building resilience in older population groups in response to climate change for equitable public health responses.
Why so far ahead? Climbing the participation ladder in public health foresight
Authors: Den Broeder L , Couwenbergh C , Baâdoudi F , Elberse J 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Issue
In the Netherlands, the National Public Health Foresight Study (PHF) is published every 4 years, as starting point for national and local public health policy development. As these policies impact citizens’ health and lives, it is important to include their voices. We piloted an approach to strengthen this engagement to learn and to inspire PHF in other (country) settings.

Problem description
PHF is usually expert-based. Citizen engagement, beyond consultation, is not yet common practice. In the Dutch PHF-2024, we engage citizens both as advisors (citizen council, N = 30 and panel, N = 500) and as target group (focusgroups N = 40). Intentionally the scope is diffuse, allowing for unexpected input. What can we learn from this approach, and how do the citizens contribute to the PHF?

Results
- Citizens of all ages, backgrounds and education types are well able to discuss health (determinants), data and indicators;
- They have intrinsic motivation to contribute to better knowledge, feel responsible for effective engagement and are eager to engage across different backgrounds and population groups;
- Integration of outcome into the PHF process is valuable, enriching scientific with experiential knowledge and facilitating results communication;
- Fundamental questions, e.g., about foresight time frames (“why look so far ahead as the world is in crisis right now!”) are raised by the citizens, showing that these need to be better addressed in order to make PHF relevant for a broader public.

Lessons
- More permanent engagement of the citizens is needed to enable learning and development;
- earlier engagement in the PHF process may enable joint development of core questions and issues to be addressed;
- The results are highly encouraging; piloting this approach in other foresight types and in various contexts is therefore needed to refine and further develop it.

Key messages
• Citizen engagement can and should be strengthened to include citizen voices in the PHF process, informing policies that impact on their lives.
• Citizens of all backgrounds, with their experiential knowledge, can be valuable partners in PHF, that provide important input.
Development and validation of food and nutrition literacy survey
Authors: Zelenkova V , Krobot M , Hawk V , Kapounova Z , Bartoskova Polcrova A , Jancekova K 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Food and nutrition literacy (FNL) are of growing interest in the field of public health and health promotion. Several tools have been developed to measure the FNL in different populations. However, there is no such tool applicable across different countries and populations due to cultural or geographical specifics. Therefore, we aimed to develop and validate a general FNL assessment tool, which will be used to measure FNL in the adult population and will be applicable across different countries and cultures - The Food and Nutrition Literacy Survey (FANSy).

Methods
The Research Team took inspiration from the conceptual model presented in the European Health Literacy Survey created by the World Health Organization and from the Food Literacy Wheel. The process involved the identification of domains, item development, and consultation with an expert panel. This panel provided feedback on 52 questions and on the survey as a whole. Following the review from the panel, we validated the survey, and then through piloting and statistical analysis we identified the questions best representing the domains.

Results
We applied 4 main domains of FNL - cooking skills, preserve and analyze, choice and acquisition, search and plan. We created and validated a self-reported scale (FANSy) as a novel and universal FNL assessment tool.

Conclusions
We developed a general tool that will allow researchers and stakeholders to collect data on FNL and compare them between different countries. We anticipate the data gathered from FANSy will identify opportunities for improving nutrition education with an overall goal of improving the health of the population.

Key messages
• FANSy is a general tool for assessing food and nutrition literacy, it is not country specific.
• FANSY can be used for gathering comparable data across different populations.
Performance indicators in long-term care for older people in 38 countries: a scoping review
Authors: Poldrugovac M , Wammes J D , Bos VLLC , Ivanković D , Vroomen-MacNeil J D , Merten H , Klazinga N S , Kringos D S 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
A large number of performance indicators in long-term care have been developed and tested. However, the use of such indicators for regular monitoring of long-term care at regional and national level presents a number of challenges related to coordination of stakeholders, regulation and data collection capabilities. Our aim was to review the performance indicators in long-term care that are currently in use for regular monitoring by 38 OECD member states.

Methods
We used a scoping review approach that included a systematic search of scientific publications, review of multi-country reports and an internet search of relevant websites of the countries included. The scoping review protocol was registered before starting paper selection and web searches.

Results
We retrieved 12.776 papers, of which 10 were kept after selection for data extraction. Preliminary results of the review of reports and internet resources led to the retrieval of 399 performance indicators in long-term care from 24 OECD member states, while no indicators could be found for 14 member states. Performance indicators most often relate to falls, pressure ulcers, unplanned weight loss and use of restraints, which are collected by 7 or more of the 24 countries. The definitions of the indicators differ considerably between countries, as well as the definitions of long-term care and hence the settings in which these indicators are used.

Conclusions
Consideration of indicators often used in several countries may be of interest to decision-makers establishing or updating indicator sets in this area. There is considerable heterogeneity in the nature, definitions and settings of long-term care performance indicators used by OECD member states. These differences are a significant challenge to establish international comparability of the indicators reported.

Key messages
• The indicators most frequently used for regular monitoring of long-term care performance are related to falls, pressure ulcer, unplanned weight loss and use of restraints.
• There is considerable heterogeneity in the nature, definitions and settings of long-term care performance indicators used in different countries, which make comparisons of results challenging.