bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
National vaccination program compliance in northern Lisbon's primary healthcare: 2022 assessment
Authors: Mateus da Costa M , Alho A M , Elias N , Vieira A T , Quinaz Romana G , Pestana Gonçalves T 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
The National Vaccination Program (NVP) aims to protect all citizens and residents of Portugal from communicable diseases, safeguarding public health. It is coordinated by the Directorate-General of Health and locally implemented by the primary healthcare centers. Currently, a 95% vaccination coverage is set for all vaccines, except for human papillomavirus (HPV) which is 85%.

Methods
Assess the accomplishment of NVP in 2022, based on the national vaccination platform, for the 15 primary healthcare units of Northern Lisbon. The evaluation included the proportion of users who I) completed vaccination schedule at the recommended age (recommended NVP), and II) completed vaccination schedule, regardless administration date (fulfilled NVP), according to birth cohort.

Results
The 2021 and 2022 cohorts achieved a 95% vaccination coverage target for the 4 evaluated vaccines; the 2020 cohort only achieved for 3/5 vaccines evaluated, due to a lower vaccination against tetanus (93.42%) and Neisseria meningitidis B (94.58%). Both 2015 and 2016 cohorts missed the vaccination target for tetanus (89.75% and 88.89%, respectively) and measles (92.84% and 91.12%, respectively). The vaccination target for HPV was not achieved in any of the evaluated cohorts, highlighting the low coverage in males (46.26%) and females (52.34%) from 2012. Concerning tetanus, an increasing trend coverage was found along the cohorts from 1956 (54.47%) to 2016 (91.23%).

Conclusions
Globally, the NVP targets were achieved in several cohorts. However, immunization against HPV and among older cohorts fell short of expectations. Several factors contribute to explain this low coverage, such as vaccine stock-out (for HPV and N. meningitidis B); residing abroad; private health care follow up without proper vaccine registration; vaccine hesitancy. On the other hand, the positive variation in immunization coverage for most of the assessed vaccines reflects some strategies used to increase adherence.

Key messages
• The accomplishment of vaccination schedules is key to safeguard individuals and communities from vaccine-preventable illnesses.
• The continuous assessment of vaccination targets and trend monitoring is critical to implement strategies to increase vaccine coverage and safeguard public health.
Trend in mandatory vaccination coverage in Italy from 2000 to 2021. A joinpoint Regression Analysis
Authors: Villani L , Savoia C , Causio F A , Pastorino R , Ricciardi W , Boccia S 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Vaccination is one of the most effective public health interventions, preventing more than 4 million deaths each year. However, the complex and multifactorial phenomenon of vaccine hesitancy has increased over the years, causing a reduction in vaccination coverage (VC) and the resurgence of epidemics from vaccine-preventable diseases (VPD). Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on the capacity of health systems to continue the delivery of essential health services, including vaccination. In this context, the objective of this study is to analyse the trend of 10 vaccinations in Italy (measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, chickenpox, hemophilus, hepatitis B, and polio), from 2000 to 2021, evaluating the impact of the introduction of the mandatory law in 2017 and the pandemic.

Methods
Data were obtained from the Italian Ministry of Health. The joinpoint regression model was used to estimate changes in vaccination coverage trends for each indicator. It allows estimation of an annual percentage change (APC) in vaccination coverage, reflecting an increase or decrease over time. For each indicator, the presence of a joinpoint expressed significant changes in APC trends. APC was considered significant when p &lt; 0.05.

Results
Until 2017, a gradual decline in VC is observed, with values below 95% for all indicators considered. For all indicators analysed, an increase (p &lt; 0.005 for measles and chickenpox) in VC is observed following the mandatory law of 2017. Similarly, a reduction in all values is observed from 2020 (p &lt; 0.005 for Tetanus).

Conclusions
The mandatory law represented an effective intervention, leading to an increase in all VC, which for 6 vaccinations reached a value &gt;95%. On the other hand, the pandemic had a significant impact on the reduction of VC in Italy. It is necessary to plan recovery interventions for children in pandemic-affected cohorts to ensure adequate VC values and avoid epidemics from VPD.

Key messages
• The mandatory law represented an effective intervention increasing vaccination coverage.
• It is necessary to plan recovery interventions for children in pandemic-affected cohorts to ensure adequate vaccination coverage.
Green Deal and Climate Pact as a Lighthouse and for Public Health in Europe
Authors: Jevtic M 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Public health professionals (PHP) have a dual task in climate change. They should persuade colleagues in clinical medicine of the importance of all the issues covered by the European Green Deal (EGD). The fact that the health sector contributes to the overall emissions of 4.4% states to the lack of awareness within the health sector itself. Strengthening the opportunities and development of the circular economy within healthcare is more than just a current issue. The second task of PHP is targeting the population digitally. The PH mission is being implemented, inter alia, through numerous activities related to environmental monitoring and assessment of the impact on health. EGD and European Climate Pact (ECP) are a lighthouse for priorities and actions in PH, bearing in mind: an ambitious goal of climate neutrality, an insistence on clean, affordable and safe energy, a strategy for a clean and circular economy. The ECP is an opportunity for citizens but especially for health professionals, to participate in climate action across Europe, to learn about climate change, develop and implement solutions. As part of the EGD, ECP aims to become a space to act on the climate crisis, and offer support for a European climate movement but also to health care professionals to act and implement innovative solutions. ECP and role of Climate pact Ambassadors give opportunities for actions in health care and wider. EGD is a leadership step in the global framework towards a healthier future and comprises all the non-EU members. The PH sector should involve the EGD as an argument for achieving goals at national levels, and align national PH policies with the goals of this document. There is a need for stronger advocacy of public health interests and sustainability into all health policies. Achieving goals requires more environmentally education process for healthcare professionals covering all of topics of climate change, PH digitalization and air pollution to a much greater extent.
Cities, Walkability and Health. A multi-disciplinary walking experience at EPH22 in Berlin
Authors: Rebecchi A 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Abstract: Several studies in Public Health focused on determining the influences of the built environment on the population's physical health status. To collect perception of the environment and the ability to promote Physical Activity, a walking experience was developed during the EPH23 Conference in Berlin. A survey had been used, according to an evaluation method (Design&Health Lab. DABC-POLIMI) based on the comparison and critical selection of qualitative urban indicators. The Micro dimension (analyzing Usefulness, Safeness, Comfort, and Aesthetics criteria) investigates the city at the street scale level; features like green/blue/grey infrastructures; intermodal public transport system; vehicular traffic reduction; cycling, and pedestrian routes availability; and accessibility of public spaces, were observed and commented by the Attendees. The survey was conducted via Google form platform and consists of two sections, one with questions for statistical purposes such as gender, age, and expertise, while the second presents questions related to the four Micro dimension criteria. The survey was applied to four areas in the city of Berlin: Pariser Platz, Unter den Linden, Gendarmenmarkt, and Bebel Platz, and was completed by 29 participants. Predominantly Public Health experts (70 percent), aged 46-65 (50 percent), participated in the survey. The results showed the strengths and weaknesses of various urban areas, highlighting possible scenarios for improvement. Limitations of the experience were the number of respondents and the analysis of some parts of the city center. Implementation for the future can be to include a higher number of city users’ as well as performing the same tool in different cities to test the effectiveness. The pre-Conference overall purpose was to foster the dialogue between designers and Public Health experts, to establish a multidisciplinary approach for understanding together how to create a living environment more linked to a healthy lifestyle.
Training to improve the vaccination offer: the experience of the AcToVax4NAM project
Authors: Marchetti G , Russo M L , D’Angelo F , Gatta A , Mondera F , Bartolucci C , Aloise I , Scarso S , Tosti M E , Marceca M 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Developing training activities material with the aim of strengthening vaccination literacy and cultural aware approach among “Professional-FOR-health”, all health and social care workers and other professionals working in the field of the immunization of Newley Arrived Migrants (NAMs), is part of the activities of the project “Access To Vaccination for Newly Arrived Migrants”-AcToVax4NAM (Grant n.101018349, 3rdEU Health Programme).

Objectives
The Italian project Team, Sapienza University of Rome and Italian National Health Institute, designed the framework for training to strengthen the healthcare system Vaccination Literacy and responsiveness among Professional-FOR-health, in order to increase the capacity building skills and cultural sensitivity of the healthcare system in promoting active immunization of NAMs. The training materials were shared to all Consortium Countries (Cyprus, Germany, Greece, Italy, Malta, Poland, Romania, Spain) to be implemented in their context.

Results
The targets of the training activities are health professionals responsible for vaccination, professionals from other services that meet NAMs or promote vaccination (GPs/FPs), professionals active in the target area (NGOs). We designed a blended training, face to face sessions, web sessions should alternate. The topics are “Vaccine Literacy”, “Cultural awareness/migrant sensitivity”, “Health promotion tools with community-based approach” and “Entitlement to vaccination for NAMs/NAMs profile”. 4 evaluation tools were constructed: a pre- and post-test learning, an exploratory survey on the level of vaccine literacy of the organisations involved, a satisfaction questionnaire.

Conclusions
Each country will construct, based on the resources made available, a course that is as adherent as possible to the context of its own country and target group. This type of training can be the groundwork for the changes needed to make the NAMs vaccination process more guaranteed and inclusive.

Key messages
• It is important to stimulate a training process that enables health professionals to reconnect their daily experiences with a broader context of thinking, for a real empowerment process.
• As learners’ cannot be seen as mere recipients of notions and information, their needs, motivations and experiences should be put right at the centre of the training process.
The socioeconomic impact of in-silico models for implantable medical devices: a conceptual framework
Authors: Eisenberg S , Czypionka T , Kraus M , Reiss M , Rösler D 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

The use of in-silico technologies for implantable medical devices has gained importance in the last decade. From a medical perspective, the term ‘in-silico’ mainly refers to computer simulations of clinical trials based on virtual cohorts. So far, there is a lack of a concept how the impact of in-silico models on socioeconomic factors can be evaluated. As part of the EU-funded project SIMCOR, one objective was to conceptualize the impact of in-silico on implantable medical devices. We applied an iterative process described in Jabareen (2009) to build a conceptual framework based on concepts from a comprehensive literature review and expert interviews from academia, companies, and regulatory bodies. Repeated steps of literature work, exploratory interviews and discussion sessions among the research team led to the final framework that was validated by feedback from experts at the end. The conceptual framework describes the impact from in-silico technologies along the product development cycle of implantable medical devices through impact channels up to socio-economic endpoints referring to firm, market, health system and society. Since the whole conceptual framework has multiple complex impact channels that create a kind of network, each impact channel is explained with its ramifications. One channel reveals that underrepresented patient groups in clinical trials might benefit from in-silico models by enabling to model rarer anatomical configurations and leading to medical device development for a broader range of population. The conceptual framework provides the basis for the quantification of the impacts of in-silico models that is expected to increase the acceptance of these models among different stakeholders. The potential benefits as well as disadvantages can be better estimated and classified from different perspectives. The use of in-silico models is expected to enable access to implantable devices faster and to a larger population group.

Key messages
• The framework reveals opportunities of in-silico models for different stakeholders, e.g., entrepreneurs, regulators, that might lead to an increased development, use and acceptance of such models.
• The framework indicates that in-silico models are expected to accelerate implantable medical device development, increase patient safety, and gain faster access for larger population groups.
Community health workers in Belgium
Authors: Masquillier C , Op de Beeck E , Vroonen L , van Iseghem T , Bastiaens H , van Olmen J , Verhaege N , Wouters E 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Despite the fact that Belgium implemented various reforms to make Primary Health Care (PHC) more affordable and accessible, inequalities in access to care are still increasing. The COVID-19 pandemic has additionally exacerbated the access to care challenges for people living in socio-economic vulnerable circumstances in Belgium. In order to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good health and well-being for all), a healthcare system innovation is clearly needed. The COVID-19 pandemic provided impetus for introducing community health workers (CHWs) throughout Belgium at the start of 2021 - instigated by the Belgian Federal Government and executed by Intermut. The CHWs are, however, not fully integrated in the healthcare system. This presentation will provide an overview of the current state of CHWs in Belgium. To explore the potential of integrating CHWs in the Belgian health system, the research team is designing a new CHW-model. Since the country is also confronted with increasing health demands and limited budgets, there is impetus to tap into the potential of innovations from low and middle-income countries (LMICs). A review of health innovations in LIMCs and a theoretical analysis on the required characteristics of such a new model resulted in a CHW intervention - inspired by the Family Health System in Brazil and Re-engineering PHC in South Africa. The CHWs play a central part in both countries’ innovative health models which use designated health teams - consisting of one physician, one nurse, one nurse aide, and from four to twelve full-time CHWs. Each team interacts with all households in a geographically defined community. The team is the first entry point into the healthcare system and provides a wide range of primary care services to all individuals in a household over the life course in a pro-active manner. In this presentation we will show, how we can learn from innovation CHW-models in LMICs to address access to healthcare challenges in Belgium.
Ensuring health and wellbeing of Ukrainian refugees in the UK: the role of initial health assessments and local authority involvement
Authors: Deal A , Lau K , Hargreaves S 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Since the beginning of the crisis in Ukraine, local authorities in the UK have facilitated the resettlement of over 150,000 Ukrainian refugees (as of February 2023) to the country. In this presentation, Anna Deal will discuss a UK case study based on her recent research working closely with local authorities in London to conduct a health and wellbeing needs assessment, exploring the situation facing Ukrainians and other key nationality groups on arrival. This presentation will focus on identified health and social needs of Ukrainians and current healthcare provision, including initial health assessments and catch-up vaccination delivery, for Ukrainians on arrival and how this varies under different local authorities. It will conclude by summarising key challenges faced in delivery of services and recommendations and implications for improving service delivery, both in the UK and other European countries hosting Ukrainian refugees.
Can housing conditions and features affect well-being? A review through Indoor Environmental Quality aspects and Mental Health implications
Authors: Rebecchi A , Gola M , Riva A , Capolongo S 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The purpose of the scoping review is to explore the relationship between housing conditions, Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ), and mental health implications on human well-being. In fact, time spent at home 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. This scoping review, conducted on the electronic database Scopus, led to the identification of 366 articles. This, after the screening processes based on the inclusion criteria, led to the final inclusion of 31 papers related specifically to the OECD area. The review allowed the identification of five housing conditions [house type, age, and floor level; housing qualities; household composition; neighborhood; green spaces] that, by influencing the IEQ parameters, had impacts on the mental health outcomes addressed. By synthesizing the contributions of the review, a list of design recommendations has been provided. These will serve as a basis for future researchers, from which to develop measures to reduce inequalities in housing by making them healthier, more resilient, and salutogenic.
Inequalities in oral health service utilisation in Ireland: results from the Healthy Ireland Survey
Authors: Cosgrave E , Sheridan A , Kavanagh P , McAuliffe U , Burke S , Harding M , Johnson H 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Good oral health is important for overall health and wellbeing; poor oral health disproportionately affects disadvantaged groups and is associated with various non-communicable diseases, many of which have shared risk factors, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Regular dental attendance with risk assessment optimises oral health. Due to an ageing dentate population, demands on oral health services are predicted to increase in Ireland. This cross-sectional assessment of oral health service utilisation aimed to inform equitable national resource allocation.

Methods
Secondary analysis of the Healthy Ireland Survey 2022, a telephone-delivered survey of a representative sample of the Irish public aged ≥15 years, was conducted. Prevalence of dental attendance in the preceding year was measured with 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs). Logistic regression determined factors associated with dental attendance using Adjusted Odds Ratios (aORs).

Results
Response rate was 40.4% (N = 7,455). Most participants (81.3%) self-reported good or very good overall oral health; 49.3% had attended dental services in the previous year. Compared to comparative counterparts those of higher educational level (aOR 1.28 95% CI 1.09-1.50), those with private health insurance (aOR 1.66 95% CI 1.48-1.86) and those with no missing teeth (aOR 2.91 95% CI 2.19-3.85) were significantly more likely to have attended dental services in the previous year. Conversely, compared to those aged 25-34 years, those aged 65+ had significantly lower odds of dental attendance in the previous year.

Conclusions
Disparities in oral healthcare utilisation identified in this study suggest potential unmet population oral health needs. Combined with population ageing and a growing scarcity of dentists available to provide care to disadvantaged groups such coverage gaps are key considerations for Irish oral healthcare planning, namely implementation of Ireland's National Oral Health Policy ‘Smile agus Sláinte’ 2019.

Key messages
• In this nationally representative cross-sectional survey of Irish adults notable disparities in oral health service utilisation were evident, especially among older adults.
• Aligning with the universal health coverage agenda, suggested unmet population oral health needs are key considerations for national and international oral healthcare planning and resource allocation.