bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Public health staff during the COVID-19 pandemic: a comparison of temporary and permanent staff
Authors: van Dijk Y , Janus SIM , de Boer M R , Zuidema S U , Roelen CAM 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic posed an enormous challenge on the public health workforce, particularly the need for substantial numbers of temporary staff. Temporary staff may experience poorer working conditions compared to permanent staff. This study aimed to investigate differences in job demands and work functioning between temporary and permanent public health staff during the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Netherlands. This cross-sectional study included temporary (N = 194) and permanent (N = 98) public health staff from a municipal health service and an employment agency respectively. The participants completed a questionnaire with items about quantitative, cognitive, emotional demands (Copenhagen PsychoSOcial Questionnaire, COPSOQ) and work functioning (Work Role Functioning Questionnaire, WRFQ). Differences between temporary and permanent staff were investigated with linear regressions. To investigate differences between temporary staff performing testing, vaccination or client services and contact tracing, exploratory descriptive analyses were performed. Compared to permanent staff, temporary staff had better scores on quantitative (-26.51; 95% CI -30.64 to 22.38), cognitive (-24.31; 95% CI -28.86 to -19.76), emotional demands (-11.67; 95% CI -15.82 to -7.53) and work functioning (7.66; 95% CI 4.20 to 11.30). None of the task groups within temporary staff had consistently higher scores. Temporary staff had better scores on job demands and work functioning than permanent staff. The relatively better scores of temporary staff were not expected, but might be explained by a healthy worker effect and they may be less affected by poor working conditions due to short-term exposures. From a public health perspective, it is important to know how temporary staff experience working conditions when the public health workforce suddenly needs to increase. Our study encourages to not only focus on tasks within the public health system but also on working conditions.

Key messages
• To our knowledge this is the first study that compared the experienced working conditions of temporary and permanent public health staff during COVID-19.
• Employing temporary staff appeared an adequate solution to strengthen the public health workforce during a pandemic, according to our result that temporary staff is not affected by working conditions.
Impact of the reform adding new sickness allowance checkpoints on rehabilitation and employment
Authors: Laaksonen M , Perhoniemi R , Rinne H , Blomgren J 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
In 2012, new sickness allowance checkpoints after 30, 60 and 90 sickness absence days were introduced in Finland to improve earlier detection of long-term work disability and to fasten return to work after illness. We examined whether the reform affected participation in rehabilitation and employment outcomes one year after the start of sickness allowance.

Methods
We conducted an interrupted time series analysis among working-age persons accumulating at least 30, 60 and 90 sickness allowance days and starting their SA during a time span covering three years before the reform and two years after the reform. Poisson regression analysis controlling for seasonal variation, gender, age, and education level was used.

Results
After the reform, the probability of receiving rehabilitation within one year after the start of a sickness allowance period lasting at least 30 days was increased by 5.1% (IRR 1.051, 95% CI 1.015-1.086). The increase after the reform was slightly larger regarding the 60 and 90 day checkpoints. Looking at the type of rehabilitation, vocational rehabilitation from the earnings-related pension scheme increased the most. Regarding the rehabilitation provided by the Social Insurance Institution of Finland, vocational rehabilitation, medical rehabilitation, and discretionary rehabilitation increased, but only the latter increase was statistically significant. In contrast to rehabilitation, changes in employment outcomes (employment, unemployment, sickness allowance and disability pension) after the reform were negligible.

Conclusions
The introduction of new sickness allowance checkpoints increased participation in rehabilitation but did not affect employment outcomes one year later. The results indicate that the reform only partly succeeded in fulfilling its goals. Future policy changes should seek to find measures to help people enter the labor market after rehabilitation.

Key messages
• The introduction of new sickness allowance checkpoints after 30, 60 and 90 sickness absence days increased rehabilitation but did not affect employment outcomes one year later.
• Future policy changes should seek to find measures to help people enter the labor market after rehabilitation.
Health care use and costs attributable to cardiovascular disease in Ireland: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Stamenic D , Fitzgerald A , Gajewska K , O'Neill K , Bermingham M , Cronin J , McHugh S , Buckley C , Kearney P , O'Keeffe L 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality and disability in Europe but the use of health services and costs associated with CVD are poorly quantified. We examined health service use attributable to CVD and corresponding costs in Ireland. Data on 8113 participants aged 50+ of the first wave of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing was used. CVD was defined as having a self-reported doctor diagnosis of myocardial infarction, angina, heart failure, stroke, atrial fibrillation or transient ischaemic attack. Outcomes were the self-reported number of general practitioner (GP) and outpatient department (OPD) visits, accident and emergency department (A&E) attendances and hospitalisations over the 12 months preceding the interview. Negative binomial regression adjusted for socio-demographic confounders and other chronic conditions was used to study the effects of CVD on the outcomes. Average marginal effects (AME) were estimated to examine the additional use of health services attributable to CVD. We estimated the total additional costs attributable to CVD at the population level using Census 2022 data. Participants with CVD reported higher utilization of all health services. In adjusted models, having CVD was associated with additional 1.19 (95% CI: 0.99, 1.39) GP and 0.79 (95% CI: 0.65, 0.93) OPD visits over the past year. There were twice as many additional hospitalisations attributable to CVD in males compared to females (AME: 0.20 (95% CI: 0.16, 0.23) in males vs AME: 0.10 (95% CI: 0.07, 0.14) in females), with no difference observed in the additional use of other healthcare services by gender or age groups. The population-level costs of the additional healthcare service use attributable to CVD were an estimated €352.2 million (95% CI: €272.8, €431.7), 93% of which was due to use of secondary care services. There is a substantial additional use of health services due to CVD in Ireland, with hospital admissions being the biggest contributor to costs.

Key messages
• The vast majority of additional costs attributable to CVD in Ireland are generated through use of secondary care services.
• While a shift is being implemented in Ireland to manage uncomplicated CVD cases in primary care, sustained efforts aimed at CVD primary prevention are required to contain health service costs.
Tobacco cessation attempts among Turkish adolescents: a structural equation model analysis
Authors: Bakar M T , Kesen C H , Peker S , Ay P 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
The Turkish Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) 2017 revealed that 17.9% of students aged 13-15 used tobacco products and 7.7% smoked cigarettes. Given the prevalence of smoking, it is important to evaluate the factors associated with quit attempts among adolescents. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with Turkish adolescents’ attempts to quit smoking.

Methods
This study utilized the data from GYTS 2017, which is a cross-sectional, nationally representative, school-based study carried out among adolescents. The study population (n = 18,985) consisted of students who had smoked cigarettes within the past year. After excluding inconsistent responses, 9,735 students remained for analysis. The outcome was an attempt to quit smoking within the past year. Structional Equation Model was used for analysis. The model included dependence level, sociodemographic factors, exposure to second-hand smoking, promoting factors for tobacco use (exposure to advertising in stores, at events, or on the internet), and anti-tobacco policies (sale restrictions, exposure to anti-tobacco media messages, TV spots) as latent factors. (The model fit; CFI=0.917, TLI=0.900, RMSEA=0.032).

Results
Students were 11-17 years and 66.4% were male. In the past 12 months, 56.3% (95%CI:55.3%-57.3%) of smokers attempted to quit. Dependency (ß=0.037, p = 0,008) and exposure to anti-tobacco policies (ß=0.114, p &lt; 0.001) had positive direct effects, whereas sociodemographic factors (ß=-0.086, p &lt; 0.001) and exposure to second-hand smoke (ß=-0.051, p &lt; 0.001) had negative direct effects on quit attempts. Promoting factors weren't significant (p = 0.14).

Conclusions
More than half of smokers attempted to quit, and nicotine dependence predicted quit attempts. Exposure to second-hand smoke decreased cessation attempts. Anti-tobacco policies as sale restrictions and warnings of the dangers of tobacco should be enforced fully since they are the strongest predictors of quit attempts.

Key messages
• Quit attempts are prevalent, highlighting the need for cessation programs for adolescents in Turkey.
• Anti-tobacco policies are the most accurate predictor of quit attempts and should be fully enforced.
Sex-specific aging patterns of gut microbiota guild in urban Chinese adults
Authors: Fu J X , Yu D X , Zheng W , Wang L , Cai H , Shu X O , Xu W H 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
The loss of gut microbial stability has been observed during aging. Previous studies have noted changes in the diversity of gut microbiota and richness of specific bacteria along with age, but rarely focused on alternations in microbial guild.

Methods
Included in this study were 2944 middle-aged and elderly Chinese adults (1473 men and 1471 women) from the Shanghai Men's and Women's Health Studies, of whom 1419 healthy subjects (747 men and 672 women) self-reported no common non-communicable diseases (NCD) were selected for evaluating the healthy aging pattern. Microbiome was profiled by 16S rRNA sequencing. A guild-based method was adopted to cluster operational taxonomic units (OTU) into co-abundance groups (CAG) as functional units. PICRUSt2 were used to predict metagenome functions. The aging trend were assessed by linear regression. A random forest model incorporating significant CAGs with chronological age was developed to fit microbial age in the healthy and subsequently applied to those with NCDs.

Results
The age of all participants ranged from 51.4 to 89.3 years (mean of 70.2). A decline in Chao1 index and an increase in Pielou evenness with aging were observed among healthy women but not men. The microbial drift based on Bray-Curtis distance appeared driven by age and differed significantly by sex. Eleven CAGs were identified as potential aging markers in men, and twelve in women; wherein only CAG_6 (Bifidobacterium sp. dominated) and CAG_118 (Veillonella dispar dominated) were positively related with age in both genders. The 1,4-dihydroxy-2-naphthoate biosynthesis served as the core metabolic pathway that increased with age in both men and women. Subjects with metabolic diseases had an older microbial age than the healthy, particularly among men.

Conclusions
This study indicates the importance of gut microbiota in healthy aging among Chinese men and women. The aging related sex-specific patterns of gut microbiota can be modified by prevalent NCDs.

Key messages
• The aging patterns of gut microbiota guild were different in middle-aged and elderly Chinese men and women.
• The microbial age was older in subjects with metabolic diseases than those without.
Associations between metabolic syndrome and Plant-Based diet Indices in the NutriNet-Santé study
Authors: Prioux C , Baudry J , Berthy F , Reuzé A , Touvier M , Deschamps V , Verdot C , Wagner S , Kesse-Guyot E , Allès B 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Prior studies have shown that plant-based diets are associated with lower risk of cardiovascular diseases but the risk seems to differ according to the nutritional quality of plant food intakes.
We aimed to investigate the cross-sectional association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and healthful and unhealthful Plant-Based diet Indices (hPDI and uPDI).

Methods
This study included 16,358 participants from the NutriNet-Santé study who underwent a clinical visit, allowing to collect blood samples for the measure of total cholesterol, LDL and HDL, triglycerides and anthropometric measurements. The MetS was assessed following the joint interim definition. The consumption of food such as fruits and whole grains to the diet compared to animal food can be reflected by hPDI, and its opposite uPDI reflecting the consumption of food such as refined grains and desserts were estimated using data from 24-h dietary records. The association between these plant-based diet indices and MetS were estimated by multivariable robust Poisson regression models with robust errors.

Results
In both women and men, a higher contribution of healthy plant food to the diet was associated with a lower prevalence of MetS (women: PR hPDI 0.74; 95% CI: 0.69, 0.80, men: PR hPDI 0.82; 95% CI: 0.76, 0.89). Similar trends were observed for all the MetS components (abdominal obesity, elevated blood pressure, elevated triglyceridemia, low HDL and elevated glycaemia) and BMI, except for low HDL and elevated glycaemia in men. Only in women, a higher contribution of unhealthy plant food to the diet was positively associated with the prevalence of MetS (PR uPDI: 1.12; 95%CI: 1.03, 1.21) and elevated triglyceridemia (PR uPDI: 1.21; 95%CI: 1.09, 1.33).

Conclusions
In this large scale observational study, we observed that it is necessary to consider the nutritional quality of plant food: healthy vs. unhealthy plant food, to promote plant-based diets in prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Key messages
• In men and women, a higher contribution of healthy plant food to the diet was associated with a lower prevalence of MetS and all its components only in women.
• An increase in the contribution of unhealthy plant food was associated with a higher prevalence of MetS and elevated triglyceridemia but only in women.
Time trends in sexual harassment exposure among adolescents in Norway between 2017 and 2021
Authors: Steigen A M , Stea T H , Dangmann C R , Granrud M D , Bonsaksen T 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Sexual harassment is linked to a range of negative psychosocial factors such as depressive symptoms, anxiety, self-harm, low self-esteem, and substance-use. Preventing and reducing sexual harassment is therefore important in a public health perspective. There is a large variety in the reported prevalence of sexual harassment among adolescents, and knowledge about the development over time is limited. The aim of this study is to study time trends in sexual harassment between 2017 and 2021 among adolescents (aged 16-19) in Norway.

Methods
This study is based on cross-sectional data from the Ungdata Survey carried out in upper secondary schools in Norway from 2017 to 2021. Adolescents completing the survey these years were respectively; 2017: n = 43 163, 2018: n = 30 400, 2019: n = 54 981, 2020: n = 17 467, 2021: n = 56 544. Descriptive analysis and Chi-square test were used to study changes in sexual harassment exposure across years according to sex, age and sexual experience. Logistic regression was used to study possible changes in the association between sexual harassment and depressive symptoms.

Results
Preliminary results indicated a stable trend in exposure to all types of sexual harassment (touching, sexual name calling and negative sexual rumours). Approximately 31 % of the adolescents had experienced one or more of the types of sexual harassment (2017 30.7 % - 2021 30.5%). The time trend was stable according to sex, age, and sexual experience. Adolescents exposed to sexual harassment had higher odds for depressive symptoms than adolescents not exposed to sexual harassment (ranging from OR: 1.4, 95% CI:1.2-1.6 to OR:2.3, 95% Cl: 1.8-2.9), and this association was also stable over the years.

Conclusions
The prevalence of sexual harassment among adolescents is high and surprisingly stable between 2017 and 2021. More knowledge about time trends in sexual harassment is needed, and new public health strategies to prevent sexual harassment should be developed.

Key messages
• The prevalence of exposure to sexual harassment among adolescents seems to be stable over time.
• Being aware the negative public health consequences of sexual harassment more effort needs to be made in developing effective prevention strategies.
Assessing the Impact of Energy and Fuel Poverty on Health: A European Scoping Review
Authors: Champagne S N , Phimister E , Macdiarmid J I , Guntupalli A M 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
The burden of energy and fuel poverty (EFP) in Europe is increasing in the face of the cost-of-living crisis, Russian invasion of Ukraine, COVID-19 pandemic, and climate emergency. While the health impacts of EFP are often the driving reason for addressing it, EFP's association with health is poorly delineated. This review aims to scope the evidence of EFP's association with health in Europe.

Methods
A scoping review based on Arksey and O'Malley's framework was conducted using search terms relevant to EFP, health, and Europe. Five databases were searched, in addition to hand searching. Review selection was performed by two independent reviewers and articles were thematically analysed.

Results
Thirty-five articles published between January 2000 and March 2022 were included. The literature varied in definitions and measurements of EFP, and in the health indicators examined. The review revealed a negative association between EFP and health, specifically, general unspecified poor health (9 articles), excess winter mortality (3 articles), communicable disease (3 articles), non-communicable diseases (11 articles), mental health (15 articles), and wellbeing (11 articles). While women were reported to be at higher risk of EFP than men, children and older adults were identified as particularly vulnerable to EFP's adverse health repercussions.

Conclusions
This scoping review illustrates a significant and complex association between EFP and various domains of health. Though heterogeneity across research makes it difficult to compare findings, our review supports the use of health as a justification to address EFP and urges public health to be more involved in EFP mitigation.

Key messages
• This scoping review revealed a clear association between EFP and various domains of health, including mental (e.g., anxiety and depression) and physical health (e.g., cardiovascular disease and flu).
• We recommend health systems, health professionals, and public health broadly as a field be more involved in working to confront EFP.
Barriers and interventions for healthy and climate-friendly living for vulnerable groups
Authors: Lampl C , Aigner E , Schmidt A E , Krisch A 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
The climate crisis constitutes the largest threat to public health in the 21st century. Against this background co -beneficial measures for climate mitigation and health promotion can offer the opportunity for necessary transformative change, especially in terms of active mobility, sustainable food systems and spatial planning. Vulnerable groups are in particular affected by health burdens and limited in their scope of action regarding climate-friendly and healthy practices, making the identification of barriers and necessary structural changes especially important for vulnerable groups.

Methods
Within the framework of a narrative literature review, a policy analysis, and a complementary co-production workshop with representatives of vulnerable groups have been conducted. To identify essential measures amongst the core themes mobility, food system and spatial planning, the analysis included actual barriers and necessary structural changes for more health equity and climate mitigation.

Results
Based on our analytical framework different measures, especially requirements in terms of infrastructure, for all three fields of action (mobility, food system, and spatial planning) are needed. At the policy level, insufficient integration of public health aspects in other policy areas is evident, in particular due to a closed silo structure of different public authorities.

Conclusions
To shape transformative changes toward healthy and climate-friendly living, at policy level, long-term goal-oriented thinking that goes beyond legislative and funding periods is needed in order to be able to implement structural changes. Likewise, there is a need for fiscal policy measures in the sense of a socially just and ecological transformation. Also investments in physical infrastructure (e.g. bicycle parking, low-priced offers of healthy and sustainable restaurants) are essential for a social-ecological transformation.

Key messages
• Healthy and climate-friendly environments for vulnerable groups are in the need for the needed transformation.
• Using co-benefits between health promotion and climate mitigation measures.