bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The mental health and well-being of senior school leaders in Wales and Northern Ireland
Authors: Marchant E 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Research has demonstrated the impact of COVID-19 school closures on pupils’ health, well-being, learning and development and the challenges faced by teaching and support staff. There was, however, no evidence on the effects on school leaders. The COVID-19 Leadership Survey explored this by surveying senior school leaders (headteachers and other teachers with senior leadership duties e.g. deputy head teachers) in Wales and Northern Ireland to understand the impact of COVID-19 school closures and restrictions on their mental and emotional well-being. It also was undertaken against a backdrop of a potential crisis in recruiting and retaining senior school leaders in the UK.

Methods
The COVID-19 School Leadership Survey (translated into English) was emailed to all primary and secondary schools in Wales (June-November 2021) and all primary, post-primary and alternative education provision for 5-16 year olds in Northern Ireland (March-May 2022). The response rate was Wales N = 172 and Northern Ireland N = 151. It should be noted the survey in Northern Ireland was undertaken after the last COVID-19 related legal restrictions were removed.

Results
Nearly three-quarters (74%) of senior school leaders in Northern Ireland and over half (54%) of senior school leaders in Wales were categorised as having possible depression based on their results on the WHO-5 scale. Leaders reported that challenges faced managing their workloads as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic impacted on their mental health and wellbeing. Despite these challenges, the majority of senior school leaders still perceived their role and work situation as meaningful.

Conclusions
A more strategic approach to supporting the well-being of senior school leaders is essential in both Wales and Northern Ireland. Further research into what mental health supports are needed, as well as a greater focus on the extent and quality of leadership development provision that will specifically support leaders well-being.
Ukrainian refugees’ wellbeing and adaptation in Denmark
Authors: Castaner M , Schönemann A , Nørredam M 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
In Denmark - 28 765 individuals from Ukraine have been granted residency under the Danish Special Act. While Ukrainians share the war exposure with other groups of refugees in Denmark, they differ in many aspects. For example, the special act has allowed Ukrainians access to the welfare state benefits (including healthcare) relatively fast and they have been accommodated outside of asylum centers. In addition, the political climate in the reception of Ukrainians has been rather favorable compared to the last refugee crisis. Yet, we know very little about their health needs and access to care. The aim of our project is to identify and understand the health needs of Ukrainian refugees and how they access healthcare in Denmark in order to inform the development of strategies that help them cope with postmigration stress and improve their quality of life. We have developed a survey, in collaboration with a group of experts by experience (Ukrainian refugees). The survey combines validated tools and self-developed questions and includes several themes: i) factors influencing adaptation of Ukrainian refugees; ii) individual sociodemographic characteristics; iii) trauma/war exposure; iv) living and housing conditions in Denmark; v) experiences in access to Danish healthcare system; and vi) health needs and well-being including symptoms of trauma. The target population is Ukrainian refugees in Copenhagen aged 18 and above. Currently, there are 2916 refugees living across the city. The aim is to recruit at least half of them, located in three municipalities: Copenhagen Municipality, Frederiksberg Municipality and Gentofte Municipality. The survey has been launched May 2023, and by November 2023, we expect to have collected and analyzed all data, which we are going to present at workshop. Our participatory research methods involving Ukrainian refugees throughout the process include their engagement in intervention and policy suggestions based on the survey.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on COPD patients: a nationwide mortality study in France
Authors: Poucineau J , Khlat M , Lapidus N , Espagnacq M , Chouaïd C , Delory T , Le Coeur S 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients are a vulnerable population with an increased risk of death from COVID-19 if infected. To date, a reduction in hospitalizations for acute exacerbations of COPD has been reported in various contexts, but large population-based studies with mortality follow-up are lacking. We investigated the mortality patterns of COPD patients in France relative to a control population, comparing year 2020 to pre-pandemic years 2017-2019.

Methods
COPD patients were identified in the French National Health Data System based on their healthcare use. Four COPD cohorts were created, and followed for one year in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively. Corresponding control cohorts (without COPD) were created, matched on sex, age and residence, with a ratio of two controls per case. Survival was analyzed using Cox regressions and standardized rates.

Results
The four COPD cohorts included about a million and a half individuals each. All-cause mortality increased in 2020 compared to 2019 in the COPD population (hazard ratio (HR) [95% confidence interval]: 1.04 [1.03-1.05]), but to a lesser extent than in the control population (HR: 1.10 [1.08-1.11]). Non-COVID-19 mortality decreased to a greater extent in COPD patients (HR: 0.95 [0.94-0.96]) than in the controls (HR: 0.98 [0.97-0.99]). Death rate from COVID-19 was twice as high in the COPD population relative to the control population (547 vs 279 per 100,000 person-years).

Conclusions
The direct impact of the pandemic in terms of deaths from COVID-19 was much greater in the COPD population than in the control population. However, the larger decline in non-COVID-19 mortality in COPD patients could reflect a specific protective effect of the containment measures on this population, counterbalancing the direct impact they had been experiencing.

Key messages
• During the COVID-19 pandemic, COPD patients experienced a slight increase in all-cause mortality, but relatively less than the rest of the population of the same age and sex structure.
• In 2020, relative to a control population, COPD patients experienced substantially higher COVID-19 mortality and, at the same time, a greater reduction in non-COVID-19 mortality.
COVID19 lockdown impact on mental health of Reunionese in 2020: Confinaou cross-sectional study
Authors: Casimir A , Aissaoui H , Bouscaren N , Maillard O , Spodenkiewicz M , Fianu A , Chirpaz E 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Introduction
On March 17, 2020, in Reunion Island, the lockdown was established for 8 weeks in order to limit the spread of the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. Beyond the beneficial aspects on the control of the infectious risk, questions arose around the repercussions of this universal preventive measure on the mental health of the Reunioneses. The objective of the study was to describe the impact of lockdown measures on the stress level of the adult population of Reunion Island and factors associated with changes in stress level.

Methods
Cross-sectional KABP-type study ‘Confinaou’ in general population (≥ 18 years), by online self-questionnaire accessible during the first lockdown, from April 30 to May 10, 2020. To identify the independent predictive factors of the increase in stress felt during lockdown, we performed a multivariate logistic regression.

Results
The analysis included 1,421 adults, of whom 706 (49.7%) reported an increase in lockdown-related perceived stress compared to baseline state. Factors independently associated with increased stress level were being female (OR = 1,33 [IC à 95%: 1,02-1,72]) and, living in crowded housing (OR = 1,30 [IC à 95%: 1,03-1,68]). Factors associated with reduced stress level were being 60 years of age or older (OR = 0,65 [IC à 95%: 0,45-0,95]) and feeling well or completely informed about Covid-19 prevention measures and lockdown rules (OR = 0,75 [IC à 95%: 0,58-0,96]).

Conclusions
This study confirms that psychological repercussions can occur in the population during lockdown as observed in the Reunionese population of the study. A targeted and adapted preventive public health response could be considered to prevent the mental repercussions of such situations of isolation and restriction of social interactions in the general population. Women, and youth could be a priority for prevention interventions using health literacy improvement approach. Social equality policy measures could focus on housing conditions.

Key messages
• Targeted mental health prevention actions adapted to at-risk populations (women, young people, people in precarious housing situations) have to be set up in these isolation situations as the lockdown.
• Prevention actions will have to integrate actions to improve communication and ‘crisis information’ to prevent the negative impacts of a new pandemic on mental health.
Labour market effects of the COVID-19 pandemic: A Dutch longitudinal study
Authors: Monteiro Sanchez G , van Zon SKR , Ots P , van den Berg G , Brouwer S , van Ooijen R 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
The COVID-19 crisis has caused profound impact on societal, economic, and healthcare systems. The nature and distribution of these impacts, especially over longer periods of time, is still in need of further investigation. We aim to examine the prevalence of and determinants for poor labour market outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic among adult workers in the Northern Netherlands.

Methods
We conducted a longitudinal study based on data from the Lifelines COVID-19 cohort. Data from 23 waves (March 2020 - November 2021) were used. Participants were workers between 18 and 64 years of age (n = 22,378). Dependent variables were labour market outcomes, i.e., unemployment, hours of work, quality of work and sickness absence. Independent variables are sociodemographic and work characteristics, pre-existing health conditions, COVID-19 disease, and government support measures. We employed logistic Generalised Estimating Equations (GEE) to estimate population effects.

Results
Decrease in hours and quality of work, and requiring sickness absence were markedly present in our sample. While the former seems to show partial recovery throughout the pandemic, the two latter seem to vary over time. The prevalence of unemployment was low. Using GEE, we have found erratic patterns of risk for the four labour market outcomes. Pointing to the vast heterogeneity of experiences and impacts on the labour market outcomes of workers. Women, for example, had higher odds of becoming unemployed (OR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.23-1.79), but lower odds of decreasing their work hours (OR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.86-0.93).

Discussion
The results of this study point to the unequal and heterogeneous impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the presence of less visible negative outcomes among workers, such as decrease in quality of work. For a complete rebound from this crisis, policy should be aimed at addressing these differential impacts among the population.

Key messages
• The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the labour market is more pervasive than can be attested by looking at unemployment rates.
• The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic differed by labour market outcome and population subgroup, and policies should aim to address these differential impacts.
The economic impact of treating hypertension in sub–Saharan Africa - A systematic review
Authors: Gnugesser E , Chwila C , Brenner S , Deckert A , Dambach P , Steinert J , Bärnighausen T , Horstick O , Antia K , Louis V R 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Hypertension is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, with high numbers of undiagnosed and untreated patients in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). While the disease poses a substantial social and economic burden for patients and health systems, research on the economic consequences remains scarce. This systematic review compared hypertension treatment costs in SSA and identified possible cost drivers and opportunities to reduce the economic burden.

Methods
A systematic search was performed in six databases (PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, ISPOR, EconLit and Google Scholar) for peer-reviewed articles published in English from inception to Jan. 2022. We included studies assessing the direct or indirect costs of hypertension treatment across SSA. All results were converted to 2021 US Dollars.

Results
Of 3999 initial articles, 33 were included in the systematic review. Only 12 of 48 SSA countries provided data on the economic burden of hypertension, and results varied according to their perspective and setting. Total treatment costs per patient ranged from monthly 2.70$ for medicine collection visits in Ghana to 46.24$ for emergency visits in Kenya for patients and from 6.52$ in Ghana to 28.19$ in Rwanda for providers. Medication costs had the most significant impact and were the most reported cost item. Treatment in higher-level hospitals and private institutions was considered more expensive. Single or combinative use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, calcium channel blockers and diuretics were the cheapest treatment options across SSA.

Conclusions
Hypertension care poses a significant economic burden for health systems and patients. While the costs were heterogeneous according to measuring and financing methods, medication was identified as the most critical cost factor. Reducing medication costs, supporting patients through subsidies, using generics and cheaper therapy options should be considered.

Key messages
• Hypertension costs in sub-Saharan Africa are a significant burden mainly driven by medications.
• Introducing targeted subsidies, generics, and low-priced therapies could reduce medication costs.
Frontline healthcare workers’ lived experiences of healthcare work during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Lee BEC , Sheen J , Clancy E M , Dwyer A , Aridas A , Considine J , Tchernegovski P , Reupert A , Bufton K , Boyd L 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic changed the face of modern healthcare, with impacts felt by staff and organisations alike. Globally, hospital-based healthcare workers have identified increased stress, anxiety, insomnia, and reduced wellbeing related to their work roles. Hospitals have been plagued by increased demand, poor staff retention and a reduction in the working hours of remaining staff. This paper sought to explore the unique experiences of frontline healthcare workers (FHWs) with parenting responsibilities working in Australian hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods
Thirty-nine FHWs with parenting responsibilities from Australian public hospitals were interviewed from October 2020 and February 2021. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to interrogate transcripts arising from extended interviews with participants regarding their experiences with healthcare work and the workplace support they received during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results
Key themes indicate that workplace changes during the early stages of the pandemic were rapid and placed significant burden on healthcare staff and leaders, impacting their physical, mental and social health. Support from leaders was seen as protective for staff but placed an additional burden on staff in leadership roles. Additionally, when leaders considered family safety and were flexible when family demands surged, staff reported better wellbeing and feelings of support. While staff felt a sense of pride in their role during this time and were motivated by family members, they reported reduced career enjoyment and were concerned about long-term mental health consequences.

Conclusions
The challenges and fatigue associated with healthcare work during a pandemic can impact FHWs in varied ways. However, findings during the COVID-19 pandemic sheds light on important areas that can be bolstered and enhanced during pandemic planning that can prevent negative impacts in future pandemics.

Key messages
• The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated how a pandemic significantly impact healthcare roles and the wellbeing of staff, indicating a need for better pandemic planning in the future.
• Important factors to consider during future pandemic planning are proper management of workplace changes, managing staff's work life balance and family safety, and enhancing support from leaders.
Maternal empowerment and gender equality for child undernutrition: a multilevel study in Africa
Authors: Eom Y , Kim R 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Backgrounds
Women's empowerment is a complex construct that requires a multi-level conceptualization, yet its association with child undernutrition has been restricted to single-level analysis and the existing evidence are mixed.

Methods
We pooled recent Demographic and Health Surveys from 28 sub-Saharan African countries (N = 137,699 children &lt;5 years old). Undernutrition was defined as stunting, underweight, and wasting. Maternal empowerment at individual-level was assessed using three domains of Survey-based Women's EmPowERment (SWPER) index: attitude to violence, social independence, and decision-making with each domain divided into terciles. As for country-level gender inequality, Gender Inequality Index (GII) was used. Three-level logistic regression was conducted to examine the joint associations of SWPER and GII with child anthropometric failures as well as their interactions, adjusting for sociodemographic covariates.

Results
Compared to children of mothers with high-level of empowerment, children of mothers with low-level of empowerment had higher odds of stunting for all domains of SWPER (Ranging ORs=1·15 to 1·21). A similar pattern was observed for underweight and wasting. GII also increased the probability of underweight and wasting. Our interaction analyses indicates that for social independence and decision-making domain, the gap in probabilities of stunting between high versus low-level of empowerment was widest in countries with highest GII.

Conclusions
In countries with stricter gender norms, achieving mother's social independence and decision-making power are found to be the strategies that should be prioritized in the first place to reduce their children's anthropometric failures. Policies and interventions aimed at promoting maternal empowerment should be carefully tailored to the specific national context to effectively address child undernutrition in sub-Saharan Africa.

Key messages
• Advanced our understandings of the role of maternal empowerment on child undernutrition by discovering that each domain of empowerment differently functions across larger social contexts.
• In countries with stricter gender norms, achieving mother's social independence and decision-making power should be prioritized in the first place to improve their children's nutrition.
11.E. Workshop: Healthy Buildings: interdisciplinary perspectives
Authors:   Organised by: EUPHA-URB, EUPHA-MEN, EUPHA-ENV,   Chair persons: Stefano Capolongo (EUPHA-URB), Jutta Lindert (EUPHA-PMH)
Published: October 2023

Abstract

The Workshop titled “Healthy Buildings: interdisciplinary perspectives” - proposed and developed by the three EUPHA Section: Urban Public Health (URB), Public Mental Health (MEN) and Environmental Health (ENV) - is aimed to foster the dialogue between designers (architects and urban planners), Public Health experts (operators, professionals and epidemiologists), policy/decision makers and buildings’ users, to establish a multidisciplinary approach for understanding together how to create and manage healthy living indoor environments (both housing and complex constructions/public buildings). The Workshops mainly address both the “Climate emergency / Environment and health / Urban health” and the “Mental health” EPH23 conference topics. The Workshops purpose is to explore the relationship between housing conditions, Indoor Environmental Quality, and Mental Health implications on human well-being. In fact, time spent at home and in the indoor environment increased due to the recent COVID-19 lockdown period, and social-sanitary emergencies are expected to grow due to the urbanization phenomenon. Thus, the role of the physical environment in which we live, study, and work, has become of crucial importance, as the literature has recently highlighted. The Workshops program include inputs which they argue current experiences, emerging practices and scientific outcomes related to the Urban Health discipline. From Sustainable Development Goals framework, in “Urban environment, unhealthy buildings as a root of inequalities and importance of SDGs”, to Indoor Environmental Quality implications, in “Can housing conditions and features affect well-being? A review through Indoor Environmental Quality aspects and Mental Health implications”. From experience-based works related to specific functions, in “Can the built environment impact on the health and well-being of people with dementia? Evidence from Literature and Stakeholders Involvement”, to Indoor Air Quality emerging issue, in “Buildings, air quality and mental health conditions: a review of intervention studies”.

Key messages
• Explore the relationship between housing conditions, Indoor Environmental Quality, and Mental Health implications on users well-being.
• Establish a multidisciplinary approach for understanding together how to create and manage healthy living indoor environments (both housing and complex constructions/public buildings).
Buildings, air quality and mental health conditions: a review of intervention studies
Authors: Lindert J 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
In high-income countries, people spend most time inside buildings, and the quality of the building including indoor air quality (e.g. particulate matter and gasses such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone) can contribute mental health conditions. Additionally, buildings are home. “Home” is associated with sense of security and belonging. However, there has been comparatively little research into the ways in which both, housing and indoor air quality, and feelings of security and belonging may contribute to mental health conditions. To provide 1) an update of relevant studies on housing and air quality and mental health conditions in urban men and women, with a special focus on intervention studies before and after retrofit of buildings and to 2) identify gaps in research. To respond to aim one Intervention studies before and after retrofit of buildings were reviewed. To respond to aim two qualitative studies on home and belonging were reviewed. Results suggests that pollutant concentrations and ventilation vary widely across buildings. After retrofit pollutant concentrations decreased significantly. Building characteristics, such as ventilation and pollution from combustion is related to mental health conditions. The negative impacts of low-quality housing, however, fall inequitably. Women and older persons who stay longer inside buildings in buildings are more exposed than those who stay less time inside buildings. The feeling of home and security have been neglected and may provide inside into effect moderation and modification of the association between buildings and mental health conditions. Housing is a critical social, and environmental determinant of health and mental health. Despite evidence on aspects of the overall effectiveness of improved housing this study adds to the identify gaps in research and calls for interdisciplinary research including Public Health, humanities and architecture.