bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk factors associated with falls among older adults with diabetes
Authors: Alsayed Hassan D , Chivese T , Syed M , Al-sayed G , Sharshani H , Al Muraikhi M 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Globally, falls are a major public health concern and it is the second leading cause of death due to unintentional injury. The prevalence of falls in older adults with diabetes is unknown in many parts of the world. This study aims to explore the association between diabetes-related comorbidities and falls among older adults with diabetes. The study aims to provide evidence and advice for the preventing falls among this vulnerable population.

Methods
This is a cross-sectional study of all older adults with diabetes aged 60 years or older with at least one encounter with the primary health care centers in Qatar during the period 2017-2022. Data on documented falls, demographic variables, and medical comorbidities were extracted from all primary care centers in Qatar. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to address the aim of the study.

Results
A total of 38,285 older adults with diabetes had at least one encounter with the primary care clinics. The median age was 68.0 years, 56.8% were males, and 40.6% of Qatari nationality.The prevalence of falls was 8.9% (95% CI 6.6 - 6.9). Age, gender (female), nationality, diabetes retinopathy, neuropathy, dyslipidemia, and hypertension were independently associated with increased prevalence of falls.

Conclusions
Given a growing population of older adults in the MENA region, the prevalence of falls is a public health concern. The risk factors identified in this study suggest the need for active screening for risk of falls and preventive interventions in this region.

Key messages
• Prevalence of falls among older individuals with diabetes is relatively high and requires public health attention.
• Females, and older adults with diabetes retinopathy, neuropathy, dyslipidemia, and hypertension are at a higher risk for falls in our sample.
Gambling consumption and gambling harm: evidence from three British surveys
Authors: Kesaite V , Wardle H , Greenwood C 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Commercial gambling has increased rapidly, with attendant concerns about impact. A critical policy question is whether increased provision and consumption leads to greater levels of harm. The Total Consumption Model posits that that there is a close link between mean consumption and excessive levels of harm in a population, and has been used to justify population level interventions to reduce harm. Using data from three British studies, we assess whether the TCM applies to gambling behaviour.

Methods
Three independent British datasets from 2015 to 2020 were used to analyse the association between gambling consumption and gambling harm by comparing associations across several sub-samples (eg, area deprivation; region). To assess the shape of the risk curves for gambling consumption and risk of gambling-related harm, we used lowess curves, and moderation effects were assessed by interacting gambling consumption measures with sociodemographic groups.

Results
The results from sub-groups analyses in all datasets show that higher mean consumption corresponds to greater levels of harm. The risk curves for the three datasets suggest that gambling harm increases with levels of consumption, however the extent of harm varies by type of gambling activity, with greater levels of harm observed among online gambling and electronic gambling machines. Moderation analyses suggest that men, younger age groups, those from the most deprived communities, in manual employment, and without university degree are more likely to experience greater levels of harm.

Conclusions
In conclusion, the findings support the application of the Total Consumption Model to gambling in Britain. This provides evidential support for population-level intervention that reduce population consumption. This is especially true for certain forms of gambling, like online gambling or gambling on electronic gambling machines.

Key messages
• The first rigorous analysis showing support for the TCM in Great Britain.
• An important question that remains is whether the TCM applies to changes over time, which can only be tested using longitudinal data.
Enhancing the Lives of Older Adults in the WHO European Region: Assessing the Implementation of the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing
Authors: Yon Y , Östlin P 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The WHO European Region has one of the world's highest median age with many countries having the longest life expectancies. However, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the challenges faced by older adults in Europe, leading to excess deaths and highlighting the need to improve their lives. The UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021-2030) aims to enhance the lives of older people, their families, and communities. The Decade focuses on four action areas to improve older people's health and wellbeing, combat ageism, ensure age-friendly environments, provide integrated care, and ensure access to long-term care. There are four enablers for the Decade: connecting stakeholders, strengthening research and innovation, engagement, and leadership. A process evaluation survey to assess the implementation of the Decade has been conducted with 48 out of the 53 Member States of the WHO European Region. The survey assessed countries’ policies, regulations, guidelines, strategies, and data on healthy ageing. Preliminary analysis shows that when compared to baseline data, there are more countries with national policy and strategy on ageing with more countries reporting national programme on age-friendly communities, policies to support comprehensive needs assessment of older people and national population-based survey on ageing. Analyses were also conducted based on indicators related to national focal points, multistakeholder forum and legislation on age-discrimination. The UN Decade of Healthy Ageing provides a framework to address the challenges faced by older adults. By focusing on the four action areas and enabling factors, we can enhance the health and wellbeing of older people, their families, and communities. This presentation highlights the importance of the Decade and provides evidence of its early impact, demonstrating the potential to create positive change for the ageing population in Europe.
3.N. Skills building seminar: Publishing and disseminating your research: How to get published, and what then?
Authors:   Organised by: EUPHA,   Chair persons: Monica Brînzac (EUPHAnxt)
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Getting your public health research published can be a real challenge, and the publishing process is not always clear. Often it takes a lot of time, effort and perseverance. In this skills-building workshop, participants will be able to learn the ropes from the Editor-in-Chief and the Publisher (OUP) of the European Journal of Public Health (EJPH), EUPHA's scientific Journal. The EJPH is a well-established multidisciplinary, Open Access journal that covers a broad scope of public health topics. It's 2021 impact factor is 4.424. The workshop will have the format of an interactive clinic and will start with short presentations by the Editor-in-Chief of the EJPH and the Publisher, on how to write, how to disseminate your findings and tools the publisher has for helping promote your research for the best impact. The Editor-in-Chief will focus on what makes manuscripts attractive to editors and reviewers, while the publisher will give an overview of the publishing process, important aspects of the wider publishing industry (including Open Access) and give authors tips of how to promote their articles post-publication. After that, there will be ample time for participants to ask their questions to the panellists. This skills-building workshop will be of interest to anyone who would like to increase their chances of getting published and who would like to learn more about creating impact with their publications. The session should in particular be helpful for young researchers who do not have a lot of publishing experience yet.

Key messages
• Think about relevance to public health, and what your research adds to science and policy.
• Think about what tools you can use to disseminate your findings.

Speakers/Panelists
Peter Allebeck
Karolinska Institute, Department of Global Public Health, Stockholm, Sweden
Rachel Moriarty
Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK
Avoiding school toilets in the Netherlands; should we worry?
Authors: Jansen D , Illy K 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
one can assume that toilet use by young people is not a problem in the Netherlands because there are sufficient toilets available at all schools. However, international research shows that a substantial number of young people avoid school toilets. It is unknown to what extent Dutch young people avoid school toilets.

Methods
from spring 2023 we recruited young people between the ages of 16 and 25 (all school levels) throughout the Netherlands. Young people who agreed to participate in the study were asked to complete an online questionnaire with questions about their toilet visits during their secondary school period (did they avoid school toilets or not), reasons for avoiding school toilets and the absence/presence of physical, mental and concentration problems during their secondary school period. We analysed our findings. Data will be analysed descriptively by means of a regression analysis.

Results
results are not yet available, but we expect - based on previous study - that at least one in four young people avoid using the toilet at their secondary school period, that girls avoid school toilets more than boys and that older teenagers avoid school toilets more than younger teenagers. We expect the following reasons for avoiding school toilets: feeling unsafe in the school toilets, lack of toilet hygiene, lack of privacy, limited access to the toilet during classes and shame. We also expect that young people that avoid school toilets have more physical, mental and concentration problems than young people that don’t avoid school toilets.

Discussion
We will give insight into the extent to which avoiding school toilets is also relevant in the Netherlands. We will advise schools on how they can adapt schools so that young people use school toilets more often. In addition, this study may show the need for general practitioners, paediatricians, and youth health care physicians to be aware of health problems related to this public health problem.
Adolescent psychiatric inpatient treatment and subsequent labor market trajectories
Authors: Pitkänen J , Junna L , Martikainen P 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Adolescent psychiatric disorders are associated with subsequent labor market disadvantage, including unemployment, disability pensions, and not being in education, employment or training (NEET). However, most current research has focused on cross-sectional outcomes measured at single time points, which clouds the dynamics involved in the realization of early labor market careers.

Methods
The study is based on longitudinal register data on all individuals born in Finland in 1980-1984 and residing in the country between ages 10-20 (N = 316,526). We followed the study subjects from age 20 to 34 and used multistate models to model transitions between advantaged and disadvantaged labor market states. Labor market disadvantage was defined as being either unemployed, NEET or on disability pension. We examined differences in labor market trajectories by adolescent psychiatric inpatient episodes, measured using hospital discharge data from ages 10-19. Separate analyses by diagnostic groups were conducted.

Results
Individuals who had psychiatric inpatient episodes in adolescence (3%) started their labor market careers in disadvantaged labor market states twice as often as their peers. They were also more likely to transition from advantaged states to disadvantaged states (HR among men: 2.93; 95% CI: 2.85, 3.02) and less likely to experience the opposite transition (HR among men: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.46, 0.48). In total, individuals with a history of psychiatric episodes spent 1.7 to 6.7 more years in disadvantaged states than their peers, depending on sex, baseline state and diagnostic group. The associations were slightly stronger among men than among women.

Conclusions
The results suggest that adolescents with severe mental health problems are highly vulnerable in terms of labor market outcomes throughout their early adulthood. Supportive measures at the start of employment trajectories as well as during later labor market stages are required.

Key messages
• Psychiatric inpatient episodes in adolescence are associated with labor market disadvantage at the start of work careers and with disadvantageous transitions throughout subsequent trajectories.
• To ensure that adolescents facing severe mental health problems are able to realize their full potential, supportive measures at different stages of work careers are required.
Migration and mental health over the past 20 years: how has the situation evolved?
Authors: Duveau C , Lorant V , Smith P 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Poor mental health is heavily stigmatized, even more when it comes to migrant and ethnic minority groups (MEM). Belgium, with its long history of immigration, is a good case study for analysing mental illness (MI) prevalence and how it has evolved over time across ethnic groups. This paper aims to shed light on the prevalence of MI among MEM in Belgium, between 1997 and 2018. Its objective is to describe the potential disparities in MI prevalence over time by ethnicity.

Methods
The study used data from the six cross-sectional waves of the Belgian Health Interview Survey from 1997 to 2018 to assess the prevalence of MI among five major ethnic groups in Belgium, and to analyse potential disparities over time using logistic and linear regression models. The 12-item General Health Questionnaire was used to measure mental illness (score≥4), and the minimal clinically important difference (MID) was also calculated for MI severity.

Results
From 1997 to 2008, the proportion of people with MI was similar across ethnic groups. However, in 2013 and 2018, there was a significant increase in MI prevalence among Moroccan and Turkish respondents compared to Belgians. The study also found that Turkish respondents had a higher score of mental distress than Belgians from 2013 onwards. In 2018, having a mother born in a non-EU country was found to increase the risk of MI (β = 1.38, CI95%= 0.71;2.05), even after controlling for age, sex and education level.

Conclusions
Mental health inequalities between ethnic groups are on the rise in Belgium, particularly among the Moroccan and Turkish populations. Specific interventions and policies must be implemented to prevent the increase of MI among MEM, and ensure that high-quality mental health care is accessible to all, regardless of ethnicity. Additionally, we recommend better data collection in future research on ethnic mental health, especially on the country of birth of respondents and their parents.

Key messages
• This study describes the evolution of the prevalence of mental health risk among the migrant population in comparison with the native population in Belgium.
• The results of this study can help us to understand the evolution of mental health risk since 1997 and to develop appropriate policies and interventions.
4.A. Workshop: Public health interventions to counteract unhealthy diets towards a better consumer knowledge
Authors:   Organised by: EUPHA-LAW, EUPHA-FN, EUPHA-HL, EUPHA-ETH,   Chair persons: Els Maeckelberghe (EUPHA-ETH), Orkan Okan (EUPHA-HP)
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Unhealthy diet represents the most important risk factor for chronic non-communicable diseases in Europe. It has been estimated that about half EU citizens are overweight and obese, with over a million deaths yearly are due to dietary risk factors. The growing share of energy-dense nutrient-poor unhealthy foods seem to be, at least in part, responsible for inadequate diet quality, especially among the younger population. While the current situation is already dramatic, future projections on the burden of non-communicable diseases are truly alarming if prevention control is not put in action today. However, public health interventions to improve the impact of sub-optimal quality food are challenging and require a multifaced call to action to counteract the exposure to this obesogenic environment. The transition to healthy and sustainable diets should be facilitated by policy interventions, such as adoption of front-of-pack nutrition labelling for food that would make healthy food easier to choose. The nutritional and non-nutritional content of products in the food market is driven by the industry, thus not necessarily in the best interest of the consumer. While there is consistent scientific evidence on this matter, there is still no action taken from policy makers. Empowering the consumer by improving health literacy could be another strategy to drive EU citizens toward health-conscious dietary choices. However, current efforts from a public health perspective are just shyly raising and are far from optimal nor are getting any actual results. The EUPHA Public health and law, EUPHA Food and nutrition, EUPHA Health literacy, and EUPHA Ethics Sections aim to propose this workshop to discuss about the current status of scientific evidence on the role of products in the food market and health in Europe, public health actions (such as front-of-pack labels) and missed opportunities from the EU Commission to put into practice the retrieved knowledge. Strategies for a better involvement of the citizens and explore new perspectives to counteract the burden of diseases associated with suboptimal diets will be also discussed.

Key messages
• The food market is most entirely regulated by food industry, with poor quality control from a public health perspective.
• Adequate information of consumers may represent a key to counteract unhealthy diets.
Advantages of harmonised front-of-pack nutrition labelling for stakeholders
Authors: Garde A 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The adoption of a harmonised front-of-pack nutrition labelling (FoPNL) scheme has significant advantages from at least four perspectives. From the perspective of consumers, effective FoPNL can help inform them on the nutritional composition of the food they purchase and consume. From the perspective of economic operators, a harmonised FoPNL scheme results in a level playing field, increased legal certainty and reduced labelling costs. From the perspective of Member States, a mandatory, EU-wide scheme will contribute to policies intended to reduce the prevalence of obesity and diet-related diseases, and will facilitate compliance with the commitments they have made at international level to promote healthier food environments. From the perspective of the EU itself, a harmonised FoPNL scheme will promote the proper functioning of the internal market in line with the EU's mandate to ensure a high level of consumer and health protection in all its policies.
The Irish National SARS-CoV-2 Whole Genome Sequencing Surveillance Programme
Authors: Brehony C , Murphy N , McGarry S , Liddy E , Mellotte N , Cotter S , Petty-Saphon N , Dean J , Stapleton P , O'Connor L 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Issue
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland, a national SARS-CoV-2 Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) Surveillance Programme was set up in 2021 to track the molecular epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in Ireland to inform and enhance the urgent public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Description
The Programme is a ‘hub and spoke’ model, led by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre with the National Virus Reference Laboratory (hub) and seven acute hospital laboratories (spokes), representing Ireland's six Regional Health Areas and Children's Health Ireland Hospitals. The two streams within the Programme's surveillance strategy are: 1. National surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 variants, including samples from GP sentinel sites and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) surveillance, vaccine effectiveness studies, hospital in-patient, intensive care cases and deaths. 2. Targeted surveillance of risk groups e.g. outbreak cases, cases with unusual epidemiological/clinical characteristics.

Results
As of 30/03/2023, 103,258 COVID-19 cases (6% all notified cases in Ireland) have been sequenced since week 51, 2020. Data produced contribute to: public health policy in Ireland; local/national clinical and public health action; tracking variants nationally and variant shifts over time; the global community through reporting of WGS data to ECDC, WHO and global repository (GISAID).

Lessons
The hub and spoke model is an efficient and sustainable design for a laboratory public health programme. It is scalable, allowing addition of new spokes where needed. It ensures regional equity and builds capacity both nationally and regionally, increasing resilience and expertise throughout the country.

Key messages
• WGS will be key component of future epidemic/pandemic preparedness.
• Programme successfully implements sustainable nationwide WGS surveillance and will expand to include other pathogens.
Inequitable distribution of mortality between persons with and without disabilities
Authors: Park J E , Kim S Y , Park J H 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
People with disabilities (PWD) experience avoidable health inequalities throughout their lives, which can lead to disparities in end-of-the-line health outcomes, such as death. We compared the trends in mortality between PWD and those without disabilities (PWOD) over the past decade and assessed the mortality gap for PWD based on health determinants.

Methods
We linked the National Health Insurance Database, which includes the entire Korean population, with National Disability Registration Database and Cause of Death Database. Crude mortality rate (CMR) and age- and sex-standardized mortality rate (SMR) for PWD and PWOD were calculated using data from over 50 million individuals per year from 2008 to 2017. Sociodemographic and health variables including age, sex, income, place of residence, and Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) were considered.

Results
All-cause CMR increased for both PWD and PWOD from 2008 to 2017, but the upsurge was greater among PWD (+11.2% vs. +7.3%). PWD continuously had higher CMRs (2668.3 vs. 412.9 per 100,000 in 2017) and SMRs (768.0 vs. 252.9 per 100,000 in 2017) than PWOD. However, the ratio of the mortality rate for PWD to PWOD intensified among less vulnerable groups in the population, including those who were younger, had higher incomes, or had no comorbidities. Compared to PWOD, the odds of death for PWD increased by 1.40-fold (95% CI = 1.38-1.41). The association between disability and death was stronger in the young age group (OR = 8.34, 95% CI = 7.20-9.65 for &lt;20 years) than in the older age group (OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.08-1.11 for ≥80 years). Greater disparities were also observed in groups with higher income or no comorbidities.

Conclusions
These findings suggest that macro-level social barriers, such as institutional discrimination against PWD in health care and inaccessible public health interventions, may contribute to the mortality disparities for PWD in a broader and more profound manner.

Key messages
• Disability was associated with an increased risk of mortality, and a larger mortality gap compared to the general population was observed, particularly among less vulnerable groups in the population.
• Fundamental policies are required to mitigate inequalities in mortality among persons with disabilities.