bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mental Health: a focus on retention of healthcare workers
Authors: Godderis L 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Shortages of healthcare workers are an important challenge for European hospitals. High turnover rates are considered one of the major factors responsible for the outflow of healthcare workers. In the METEOR project, we focus on turnover intentions, job satisfaction and burnout as critical determinants for turnover among healthcare workers in four European countries (i.e. Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy and Poland).

Methods
The METEOR project included three types of data collection methods. First, we identified and analysed the existing determinants of job retention among healthcare workers from literature. Second, we collected data in eight European hospitals by conducting an online survey to assess turnover intentions related to the work climate, job satisfaction and burnout. Third, we organised 12 co-creation and consensus-building workshops with key stakeholders to collect qualitative data on job satisfaction and job retention.

Results
First, based on our survey, 17% of physicians and 9% of nurses intend to leave their hospital, while 9% of physicians and 13% of nurses intend to leave healthcare. Second, the determinants found in literature for job retention were categorized into six themes: personal characteristics, job demands, employment services, working conditions, work relationships, and organizational culture. The main determinants were job satisfaction, career development and work-life balance. Third, the workshops showed that nurses and physicians are highly engaged in their patient-work, but are drained by paperwork, an unhealthy work-life balance, a lack of teamwork, limited development opportunities and no appreciation from supervisors.

Conclusions
The intermediate results of the METEOR project show that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to tackle the problem of job retention in healthcare. Initiatives to retain people in healthcare must respond to multiple factors, as they stay (or leave) for a variety of reasons.
Roll-out of a universal childhood COVID-19 vaccine programme for 12-15 year olds in Northern Ireland
Authors: Gallagher N , Spiers R , McBrien B , McCalmont H , Slavin S , Johnston J 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

On 3rd September 2021 the UK Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) jointly published a recommendation that all children aged 12-15 years be offered the COVID-19 vaccine. They concluded that, further to the minimal advantage at individual level for this age group, vaccination would likely help reduce transmission within schools, thus providing a sufficient extra advantage necessary to introduce the programme. In recommending this to Ministers, UK CMOs recognised that the overwhelming benefits of vaccination for adults were not as clear-cut for young people aged 12-15. Children, young people and their parents would need to understand potential benefits, potential side effects and the balance between them. The roll out of the programme had to be undertaken at pace. In NI it was decided that the school setting would be the optimum delivery location as it maximises uptake and reduces inequalities in uptake. A multi-agency project implementation group was formed. The vaccine programme was delivered between October-December 2021, and it brought unique challenges, including; safety concerns around a new vaccine; delays in policy announcements; creation of public and professional resources with complex evidence; anti-vax sentiment and security issues; scale and pace of rollout; and communication with multiple stakeholders. Engagement with schools and teaching unions was crucial, with bespoke support resources developed to aid this. This unique implementation process highlighted the success of the existing school-based vaccine delivery model in NI. It provided opportunities to work closely with education colleagues, and to develop innovative materials for communication of balanced public health messages to a variety of audiences. It also presented unique challenges such as anti-vax discourse and concern around vaccine side-effects. It is unclear if these challenges led to a lower uptake than seen in other school-based vaccine programmes (40.6%).

Key messages
• The implementation of the COVID-19 vaccine in children aged 12-15 years presented unique challenges however the school-based delivery model was deemed a success.
• Further investigation into the uptake is warranted.
Psychometric properties of a new functional health literacy questionnaire in Portuguese adolescents
Authors: Capitão C , Feteira-Santos R , Virgolino A , Santos O 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Health literacy is associated with health behaviours. There is a lack of suitable instruments for assessing this determinant of health in adolescents. The Newest Vital Sign for the Portuguese adolescents (NVS-PTeen) is the only tool available; however, it was adapted from the original version and has some cultural constraints. We developed the Functional Literacy Questionnaire (FLiQ), the first scale to assess functional health literacy in adolescents using the information on a food label according to the European Union Regulation. This study aimed to assess classic psychometric properties of the FLiQ, in comparison to NVS-PTeen, among Portuguese adolescents.

Methods
We conducted a longitudinal observational study with three phases: (1) characterisation of the scale's content validity (Delphi panel with a group of experts; data collected through online forms); (2) self-administration of FLiQ and NVS-PTeen to adolescents enrolled in 7th to 9th grade (online or paper format); and (3) retest of FLiQ to the same group of subjects, after four weeks.

Results
FLiQ's overall content validity was excellent (average-content validity index=.95). A total of 372 adolescents (50.3% girls) aged between 12-17 years (median age: 13) participated in the study. Of these, 150 completed the test-retest assessment. Internal reliability was good (Kuder-Richardson-20=.70; 95% confidence interval (CI) .66-.75), as well as temporal reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient=.82; 95%CI .76-.87). FLiQ total score was correlated with the school year (rho=.17), and with Portuguese (rho=.35) and Maths grades (rho=.33). Exploratory factor analysis showed that FLiQ is composed by two dimensions (verbal and numeric competencies).

Conclusions
FLiQ is a valid and reliable scale to measure functional health literacy among Portuguese adolescents. It can be used to monitor the literacy levels over time.

Key messages
• FLiQ is the first scale for measuring health literacy using the information on a food label according to the European Union Regulation No 1169/2011.
• Health literacy is pivotal to public health promotion. The results suggest that this scale is suitable for monitoring and assessing public health promotion among adolescents.
Does mindfulness-based intervention in school-setting improve mental health in one-year follow-up?
Authors: Volanen S-M , Hintsanen M , Simonsen N , Vahlberg T 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) have shown promising results on students’ well-being in several countries, including Finland. However, less is known of the long-term effects of MBIs. We investigated the effects of MBI on mental health in school-setting in a one-year follow-up in an extensive randomized controlled trial Healthy Learning Mind.

Methods
Finnish pupils (Intervention group N = 542, active control group N = 557) aged 12-15 years were randomized into a 9 week MBI group, and a control group with a relaxation program. The primary outcomes were resilience (RS14), socio-emotional functioning (SDQ), and depressive symptoms (RBDI) at baseline, and at follow-up at 52 weeks (T52). Analyses were done with multilevel linear models.

Results
Positive intervention effect was found for socio-emotional functioning between intervention and active control group (Group×Time β=−0.866, p = 0.014). Socio-emotional functioning remained same in the intervention group (β = 0.338, p = 0.178) whereas difficulties increased in the active control group (β = 1.205, p &lt; 0.001). Mindfulness did not show effects on the resilience (p = 0.303) or depressive symptoms (p = 0.925). In an additional exploratory analysis, among the students who had continued practicing mindfulness at least once a week (n = 45) compared to the all pupils in the active control group, no significant differences were found in resilience (p = 0.197), socio-emotional functioning (p = 0.186), or depressive symptoms (p = 0.802). However, although not significant, those 45 pupils, who continued mindfulness practices at least once a week scored systematically better on resilience and socio-emotional functioning compared to active controls.

Conclusions
Short 9-week MBI in school-setting provides slight benefits for socio-emotional functioning in one- year follow-up. Since only 45 pupils continued independent practice for one year, it is difficult to reliably appraise the long-term benefits of MBI in school-setting.

Key messages
• We need more information on the type of support pupils need to keep up practice. The low number of pupils who keep up practicing hampers better understanding of the long-term effects of MBIs.
• The MBI effectiveness research in school settings would benefit from behavioral science perspective.
Trends in mental health diagnosis and use of resources in Europe during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Rodríguez-Blázquez C , Garriga C , Forjaz M J , Sandu P , Bernal E , Miller K , Gruber B , Vuković J , Šitcs J , Tolonen H 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
The European Population Health Information Research Infraestructure (PHIRI) conducted research through use cases of applicability for public health policies during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study is to present changes in diagnosis of depression or anxiety and the use of health services before and during the COVID-19 crisis.

Methods
Aggregated datasets with the total number of diagnosis of depression or anxiety (ICD10: F30-F39 and F40-F48 codes) and the number of visits to primary care, hospital or emergency department were generated were generated. Diagnoses were obtained from electronic health records in Austria, Estonia, Finland, Croatia, Latvia, Romania and Aragon (Spain), using the PHIRI federated research infrastructure. Incident trends were depicted by month and year of visit (2017 and 2020).

Results
Overall, 1,514,311 diagnoses of depression or anxiety were reported in 2017 vs. 1,102,468 diagnoses in 2020. By countries, monthly mean diagnosis of depression or anxiety ranged 2.7/10000 population (standard deviation, SD:0.2) to 148.4(20.0) for 2017; after lockdown in 2020 incidence decreased in most countries. Visits to primary, specialized care and emergency related to anxiety and depression diagnoses dropped after lockdown but they increased in general in all countries during 2021.

Conclusions
Despite differences in the European health systems, a slight impact on COVID-19 on mental health diagnoses could be detected. This study highlights the potential use of harmonized data for providing evidence for future pandemic preparedness.

Key messages
• The use of a federated research infrastructure has allowed assessing the impact of COVID-19 in mental health across European countries in a harmonized way.
• Slight changes in mental health diagnoses and use of resources could be detected in several European countries due to COVID-19 pandemic.
Hypertension incidence among Ghanaian migrants and non-migrants: the RODAM-Pros cohort
Authors: van der Linden E L , Beune EJAJ , Owusu-Dabo E , van den Born BJH , Agyemang C O 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Sub-Saharan African (SSA) migrants are disproportionately affected by hypertension, compared to the European-host population. Underlying reasons for the increased hypertension prevalence are still unclear, and longitudinal data are lacking. The aim of this study was to describe hypertension prevalence and incidence rates among Ghanaian migrants residing in the Netherlands, compared to non-migrants residing in Ghana, and the European-Dutch host population.

Methods
We analysed data of the multicentre Research on Obesity and Diabetes among African Migrants prospective (RODAM-Pros) study collected at baseline (2011-2015) and follow-up (2019-2021). Hypertension was defined as a systolic blood pressure ≥140mmHg and/or diastolic ≥90mmhg and/or the use of antihypertensive medication.

Results
In the follow-up data collection, 2165 Ghanaian participants (n = 638 from rural Ghana, n = 608 from urban Ghana, and n = 919 Ghanaian migrants in Amsterdam) and 2098 European-Dutch participants were included. Preliminary results show age-standardised prevalence rates of hypertension at follow-up of 36.9% in rural Ghana, 54.3% in urban Ghana, 59.5% in Amsterdam-Ghanaians, and 33.2% in European-Dutch males. Age-standardised 6-years incidence rates of hypertension were 29.0% in rural Ghana, 27.6% in urban Ghana, 34.4% in Amsterdam-Ghanaians, and 7.3% in European-Dutch females.

Conclusions
These first results show high prevalence and incidence rates of hypertension with differing rates between Ghanaians living in Ghana and in Europe. Future analysis will aim to identify determinants underlying these rates. The findings from the RODAM-Pros study will be valuable for designing effective prevention and clinical management strategies to prevent the burden of hypertension and related complications, both in SSA and SSA migrants in Europe.

Key messages
• Hypertension prevalence and incidence are highest in Ghanaian migrants, and incidence rates are substantial in non-migrants in Ghana.
• Determinants of these rates need to be elucidated to design effective preventive strategies.
Mental health and suicidal behaviours among Irish adolescents - results from the Planet Youth study
Authors: Cannon M , Power E , Dooley N , Cotter D 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Mental health and wellbeing outcomes for young people are poorly understood in the context of natural disasters. There is a little high-quality evidence at a population level describing mental health and wellbeing in young people in Ireland following the global COVID-19 pandemic. We invited all young people attending specific school grades living within two defined geographical areas (one urban and one rural) to participate. Young people completed a 60-minute survey on their health and well-being between October and December 2021 in school. We wished to investigate the prevalence of mental health difficulties and associations between direct COVID-19 related factors and mental health. A total of 4404 young people responded, and the overall response rate was 79%. The population mean difficulties score of the Strengths & Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) [1] was 14.89. The majority of young people reported that pandemic restrictions had a negative effect on their mental health and loneliness. Self-reported rates of lifetime self-harm were 37.75% and self-reported rates of lifetime suicide attempt were 11.14%. Urbanicity and female gender were associated with reporting poorer mental health outcomes. Infection with COVID-19, illness due to COVID-19 in a family member and death of a family member were not associated with mental health outcomes. Elevated SDQ difficulties scores at a population level may be a cause for concern as they have previously found to predict the population prevalence of current mental disorder within a 1-2% point margin of error. In comparison to previous population studies, this population of young people had markedly poorer mental health and wellbeing.
Plasma polyunsaturated fatty acids and mental disorders in adolescence and early adulthood: 2 cross-sectional and longitudinal associations in a general population cohort
Authors: Mongan D , Cotter D 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may be pertinent to the development of mental disorders, for example 28 via modulation of inflammation and synaptogenesis. We wished to examine cross-sectional and longitudinal 29 associations between PUFAs and mental disorders in a large cohort of young people. Participants in the 30 Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children were interviewed and provided blood samples at two 31 sampling periods when approximately 17 and 24 years old. Plasma PUFA measures (total omega-6 [n-6], 32 total omega-3 [n-3], n-6:n-3 ratio and docosahexaenoic acid [DHA] percentage of total fatty acids) were 33 assessed using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations 34 between standardised PUFA measures and three mental disorders (psychotic disorder, moderate/severe 35 depressive disorder and generalised anxiety disorder [GAD]) were measured by logistic regression, adjusting 36 for age, sex, body mass index and cigarette smoking. There was little evidence of cross-sectional 37 associations between PUFA measures and mental disorders at age 17. At age 24, the n-6:n-3 ratio was 38 positively associated with psychotic disorder, depressive disorder and GAD, while DHA was inversely 39 associated with psychotic disorder. In longitudinal analyses, there was evidence of an inverse association 40 between DHA at age 17 and incident psychotic disorder at age 24 (adjusted odds ratio 0.44, 95% confidence 41 interval 0.22 - 0.87) with little such evidence for depressive disorder or GAD. There was little evidence for 42 associations between change in PUFA measures from 17 to 24 years and incident mental disorders at 24 43 years. These findings provide support for associations between PUFAs and mental disorders in early 44 adulthood, and in particular, for DHA in adolescence in relation to prevention of psychosis.
10.I. Skills building seminar: A seat at the table: Engaging patients and citizens in public health policy-making
Authors:   Organised by: Sciensano (Belgium), EUPHAnxt,   Chair persons: Marie Delnord (Belgium), Jinane Ghattas (EUPHAnxt)
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Patient and citizen engagement is an essential element of effective healthcare delivery and policy-making, leading towards patient-centred care and improving health outcomes. An important shift is taking place from paternalistic and deficit models towards a more participatory approach. Notably, patients provide valuable input on the ethics, acceptability, trustworthiness and effectiveness of policy initiatives based on their preferences, values and experiences. This is particularly relevant in the area of cancer prevention and treatment, where patient and citizen involvement plays an important part in the European Beating Cancer Plan (EBCP) and EU4Health programme. Cancer care is a societal challenge that raises many issues such as reimbursement of and timely access to prevention, diagnosis and treatment, the use of genomic data, behaviour modification, surveillance, data protection, the integration of therapeutics and research. This challenge is relevant for the population as a whole as everyone is vulnerable to the disease and everyone is impacted by screening, immunization, and preventative initiatives. As such, there is a need for a long-term plan to systematically and actively involve patients and citizens in policy and decision-making. The Belgian Cancer Centre of Sciensano is organising a workshop to improve patient and citizen engagement in policy-making. In this emerging field, no clear quality standards, accepted methods or even recommendations for when to involve certain publics on what topics exist. This workshop will offer an overview of the current state of play and provide practical tools and recommendations for future implementation. During the workshop, participants will learn about the theoretical background, practical implications and potential benefits of public engagement. The workshop will focus on three types of engagement (large scale, targeted and structural), offer concrete examples and discuss risks and benefits of different methodological approaches. In the second part of the workshop, a hypothetical citizen engagement project about the implementation of risk-stratified cancer prevention will be designed, using a co-creative approach involving all participants. The participants will be guided through the process of formulating appropriate questions, setting up a suitable design and preparing implementation of outcomes.

Key messages
• Engagement of patients and citizens is a crucial component of efficient healthcare delivery and policy development.
• The booming field of patient and citizen engagement offers a lot of different methods and strategies. It is important to use the appropriate tool in all circumstances.

Speakers/Panelists
Wannes Van Hoof
Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
Louise Mathieu
Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
10.Q. Workshop: Ukrainian refugees in Europe: tackling challenges in health needs and access to health care
Authors:   Organised by: EUPHA-MIG,   Chair persons: Marie Nørredam (Denmark), Sally Hargreaves (UK)
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Because of the Russian invasion, nearly 8 million refugees fleeing Ukraine have been registered across Europe of whom 90% are women and children. Ukrainian refugees’ health and access to health care is a concern of utmost importance in this context; and a critical public health challenge for the European countries. To undertake this task knowledge is needed on how Ukrainian refugees experience problems related to health, wellbeing, and access to health care services in host countries. Yet, knowledge is scarce on general health needs, health reception and access to specific services among Ukrainian refugees in European countries. In this context, our workshop intends to bring together four projects that shed light on health needs and well-being of Ukrainian refugees in different European countries as well as the organization of support and access to healthcare systems. The workshop is structured in a first part with presentations and a second part with an open discussion involving the audience. Each presentation will last a maximum of 8-10 minutes. The first presentation concerns health and wellbeing of Ukrainian refugees in the UK including the role of initial health assessments and local authority involvement. The second presentation addresses Ukrainian refugees’ wellbeing, adaptation and use of health care services in Denmark. The third presentation highlights health and healthcare needs among refugees from Ukraine arriving in Norway during 2022. Finally, the fourth presentation is also from Denmark adressing general practitioners’ assessment of Ukrainian refugees arriving to Denmark. In the last part of the workshop, the chairpersons will open a discussion with all workshop participants in order to exchange experiences. The discussion will focus on how to support research and public health interventions targeted Ukrainian refugees including which areas need urgent focus. By learning from each other, this workshop aim to inform public health researchers and stakeholders on challenges and possible solutions to the important public health problem of Ukrainian refuges health.

Key messages
• Cross-country sharing of public health knowledge regarding Ukrainian refuges health.
• Adressing public health challenges and possible solutions regarding Ukrainian refuges health.