bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Agnogenic practices: an analysis of UK gambling industry-funded youth education programmes
Authors: van Schalkwyk MCI , Hawkins B , Petticrew M , Reeves A , McKee M 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
The corporate political activities of harmful industries, including the use of agnogenic (ignorance or doubt producing) practices and the construction of dystopian narratives, directed at influencing policymaking are well documented. However, the use of agnogenic practices by industry-funded organisations who deliver industry-favoured education-based measures remains unexplored. This study aims to build understanding of this by analysing three UK gambling industry-funded youth education programmes that represent key policy responses to gambling harms.

Methods
Using a published typology of corporate agnogenic practices the ways that evidence is used within the programmes’ resources to legitimise their content and implementation were analysed. Programme evaluations and claims about the programmes’ evidence base and effectiveness were also analysed.

Results
Agnogenic practices, including confounding referencing, misleading summaries and evidential landscaping, that resemble those adopted by harmful industries are used within gambling industry-funded youth education programmes and by the charities that oversee their delivery. These practices serve corporate interests, distort the limited evidence in support of youth gambling education measures, and legitimise industry favoured policies.

Conclusions
This novel study demonstrates that agnogenic practices are used to construct utopian narratives that claim that gambling industry-favoured youth education programmes are evidence-based and evaluation-led. These practices misrepresent the literature and evaluation findings and may undermine effective policymaking to protect children and young people from gambling harms.

Key messages
• Gambling industry-funded education programmes warrant greater scrutiny and conflicts of interest need to be addressed.
• The methods and findings of this study are of relevance to other contexts and areas in the field of the commercial determinants of health given other harmful industries adopt similar approaches.
Implementing pictorial health warning labels on waterpipe tobacco products: a qualitative study
Authors: Nakkash R , Jaafar M , Asfar T , Chehab S , Maziak W 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Waterpipe smoking rates in Lebanon are among the highest in the in the world. Research has documented the effectiveness of introducing pictorial health warning labels (PHWLs) in curbing waterpipe smoking. Seventeen years after ratification of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and twelve years post adoption of a tobacco control law, PHWLs have not yet been implemented in Lebanon. This study aims to gain insight into stakeholders opinions and recommendations for adopting and implementing PHWLs on WP products within the current tobacco control policy environment.

Methods
We conducted 13 online interviews with policymakers, media, owners of establishments that serve waterpipe, as well as international and local NGO representatives whose mandate is tobacco control. During the interview process, key informants were shown PHWLs on waterpipe tobacco products and asked about feasibility of implementation and enforcement. National documents and legislations related to PHWLs were obtained from public record. We conducted content analysis on the documents. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically.

Results
The majority of the key informants agreed on who is responsible for enforcement of PHWLs and on the contextual obstacles to enforcement. Main barriers to implement PHWLs on WP products were: 1) the fact that the WP is a multi-component tobacco use method that will require including all WP components (charcoal, tobacco, device); 2) WP usually is used in several locations (e.g., home, restaurants); and 3) WP is sold via multiple sources (supermarkets, tobacco shop, etc). Stakeholders recommended some solutions to address barriers to implementation.

Conclusions
Stakeholders responsible for implementation of PHWLs need to take into consideration contextual barriers as well as the particularities of waterpipe tobacco smoking in terms of multiple components used to smoke, locations of consumption, and sources where it is sold.

Key messages
• Implementing PHWLs on waterpipe tobacco products requires distinct understanding of policy environment and context.
• Implementing PHWLs on waterpipe tobacco products needs to address the complex nature of waterpipe smoking as a multi-component tobacco use method .
Stakeholder perceptions and public health system performance: evidence from Greece
Authors: Karokis-Mavrikos V , Mavrikou M 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Policy choices, aims and priorities are defined by the dominant belief system among stakeholders in a policy area (Jenkins-Smith et al., 2018). Traditional assessments of health systems performance have focused on the institutional configurations, processes and resources in place (Murray and Frenk, 2000). We argue that the more latent dimension of ‘stakeholder perceptions’ is crucial to understanding why seemingly effective health system policy designs underperform during implementation. This paper brings in new evidence (2020) from an elite population study of 261 stakeholders in Public Health policy in Greece (politicians, civil servants, experts, interest groups, industry). We questioned stakeholders on: their conceptual understanding of public health, public health determinants, the field’s policy responsibilities and jurisdiction, threats and enabling factors to policy advancement, and public health systemic performance in Greece. Our findings highlight that: 1) stakeholder beliefs converge regarding drivers for effective policymaking - most prominently resources, expertise, coordination and management - but respondents also identify their scarcity in the Greek public health system (GPHS); 2) stakeholders converge regarding systemic pathogenies - most prominently managing inequalities and monitoring - and rank all legally stated functions of the GPHS poorly on average; 3) stakeholders agree that the existing paradigm in Greek public health policy does not promote the holistic perspective to health but most maintain a medicine-centric view of public health. We conclude that despite Greece enjoying a progressive public health system policy design, the mismatch between the system’s stated aims and the prevailing anachronistic stakeholder perceptions has hampered effective policy development. Future research should zero in on the importance of installing a co-oriented culture among stakeholders to achieve success in the performance of health systems.

Key messages
• Stakeholder perceptions are crucial to understanding why seemingly effective health system policy designs under-perform during implementation.
• Despite Greece enjoying a progressive public health system policy design, the mismatch between the stated aims and the prevailing anachronistic stakeholder perceptions has hampered policy development.
The influence of overweight and obesity in the oral health of a sample of portuguese adults
Authors: Veiga N , Ferreira L , Couto P , Correia P , Lopes P , Correia MJ , Coelho I 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Overweight and obesity may lead to different problems in various body systems and in the oral cavity. Dental caries and periodontal disease have been related with overweight. The aim of this study was to assess how overweight and obesity have impact on the lifestyle, oral habits and oral pathologies.

Methods
We conducted an observational cross-sectional study where we applied a questionnaire to 140 individuals from Lisbon and Viseu, Portugal., which 70 had a normal Body Mass Index (BMI) (control group) and 70 had an excessive BMI. We also made an oral observation in each individual to record the permanent teeth decayed, missing and filled index (DMFT), the Community Periodontal Index and the oral hygiene status.

Results
From the final sample, 30% of the subjects with overweight brushed their teeth once a day or less, while the majority (62.9%) of the control group brushed twice a day. In the oral examination, 70% had calculus, while in the control group only 22.5% presented calcified plaque. The DMFT was higher among the obesity group in comparison with the control group. Regarding periodontal disease, the participants with overweight need more dental intervention (81.4%) in contrast with the control group (14%).

Conclusions
Most overweight and obese individuals present precarious oral hygiene habits, higher prevalence of dental caries, and worse periods of periodontal health. They are not aware of the repercussions of the association between their cariogenic diet, oral health and overweight.

Key messages
• Oral health behaviors are related with other health conditions, namely obesity and this is a fundamental public health issue.
• Primary preventive strategies should be established having in consideration the oral health status of adults in treatment for obesity and in weight control programs.
HPV self-sampling acceptability among women in Italy: preliminary results of a cross-sectional study
Authors: Angelillo S , Licata F , Errico EA , Maruca R , Freccia S , Pujia R , Di Gennaro G , Bianco A 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Secondary prevention measures have strongly contributed to the reduction of incidence and mortality of cervical cancer (CC) identifying women at high risk of developing it. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the acceptability of a home-based self-sampling methodology for Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) testing and the factors that may influence women’s preference.

Methods
A random sample of women over the age of 50 years has been selected in Southern part of Italy. Data was collected through an anonymous self-administered questionnaire and included socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of HPV infection and prevention measures, and attitudes towards the acceptability of self-collected cervico-vaginal sampling (CVS) and urine sampling (US).

Results
Among the 321 women who completed the survey, more than two-thirds (73.7%) knew that CC is caused by HPV, only 68.9% knew that the HPV screening is useful for an early detection and diagnosis of CC, and 17% never had Pap-test or HPV-DNA test. Of the respondents, 67.9% declared that they preferred self-collected US for future HPV testing compared with clinician-taken cervical samples (CCS). The most common reasons reported for preferring US included that it was easier (54.8%), more convenient (28.7%), and less embarrassing (21.7%). Among those women who showed negative attitude towards self-collected US, 8 out of 10 (77.3%) expressed scepticism about its diagnostic performance. Only 37% of the sample preferred CVS, and this attitude is mainly attributable to the fear of not carrying out a correct self-sampling (71.2%) and to its underrated diagnostic performance (33.7%).

Conclusions
The preliminary results suggest that US is more acceptable than CCS and CVS in Italy. Urinary HPV test presents similar accuracy of the latter tests to detect CC and its supply in the context of population-based screening programmes could improve adherence, reducing the cost and burden on physicians.

Key messages
• Urine self-sampling could represent an innovative early detection approach to increase adherence to cervical cancer screening programmes.
• Further research is needed to assess whether the screening status and the strategy of self-samplers distribution could act as predictors of screening uptake.
Dissemination of knowledge from Cochrane systematic reviews in public health: Cross-sectional study
Authors: Helmer SM , Mergenthal L , De Santis K , Matthias K 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Appropriate dissemination of public health evidence is of high importance to ensure that relevant knowledge reaches potential stakeholders and relevant population groups. A wide distrust towards science and its findings indicates that communication thereof remains below its potential. Cochrane Public Health (CPH) provides an important source of high-quality scientific evidence. This study aimed to identify (1) dissemination strategies and (2) possible stakeholders of Cochrane Public Health reviews.

Methods
This is a cross-sectional, meta-research study. All 68 records (reviews or protocols) listed on the CPH website https://ph.cochrane.org/cph-reviews-and-topics up to 08.03.2022 were included. Record characteristics, dissemination strategy information and potential stakeholder details were coded by one author and 10% of records were checked by another author. Data were descriptively analysed.

Results
53 reviews (46 systematic reviews, 6 rapid reviews, 1 scoping review) and 15 review protocols were included. The 53 reviews were published between 2010-2022 and included 1-153 primary studies. All reviews had an open-access plain language summary (PLS) in English with translations in 3-13 other languages. Although 16 of 53 reviews and 4 of 15 protocols reported any involvement in the review process of an advisory group, only 3 of 68 records included a dissemination plan aiming to inform non-academic audiences or policy.

Conclusions
All identified records can be considered as relevant to a wide range of stakeholders and population groups. However, CPH reviews or protocols rarely report their dissemination strategies. It is unclear what dissemination strategies are used after CPH reviews are published. High relevance of CPH evidence for non-academic stakeholders and the general population highlights the need for adequate knowledge translation beyond academia.

Key messages
• Dissemination plans and implementation is rarely reported in CPH reviews.
• Evidence from CPH reviews is relevant for a multitude of stakeholders.
Access to nicotine products among Polish youth – PolNicoYouth study results
Authors: Tyrańska-Fobke A , Balwicki Ł , Kaleta D , Goniewicz M , Juszczyk G 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Smoking and the use of electronic cigarettes pose a risk of cardiovascular disease. The aim of the study was to analyze the availability of these products for Polish youth. The cross-sectional study was carried out in 2020 on a sample of secondary school students (N = 19241) representative of the Polish population, using the CAWI method. In order to estimate the relationship between the independent variables and the outcome variables, the Bayesian multivariate logistic regression was used in the R program using the brms library. It was observed that there were differences in the factors related to the refusal to sell traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes to Polish youth. The age of adolescents has a more significant relationship (lnBF &lt;2.3) with the refusal to sell them traditional cigarettes (lnBF = 49.65) than e-cigarettes (lnBF = 25.21). Contrary to gender and province of residence, which show a significant relationship only with the refusal to sell e-cigarettes (lnBF = 4.9, lnBF = 3.5). However, they are not related to the refusal to sell traditional cigarettes at all. The amount of expenditure of Polish youth on traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes significantly depends on the size of pocket money (lnBF = 49.39), the type of school attended by young people (lnBF = 12.19) and the province of residence (lnBF = 3). Other factors, such as age, gender or the size of the place of residence, remain irrelevant. Higher pocket money contributes to higher spending on nicotine products ((lnBF = 12.19). It seems that the age of adolescents does not equally limit access to nicotine products, making e-cigarettes more easily available for sale. Action is needed to effectively limit the access of young people to harmful products.

Key messages
• It seems that the age of adolescents does not equally limit access to nicotine products, making e-cigarettes more easily available for sale.
• Action is needed to effectively limit the access of young people to harmful products.
Nicotine initiation risk among Polish youth - PolNicoYouth study results
Authors: Balwicki Ł , Tyrańska-Fobke A , Kaleta D , Goniewicz M , Klimiuk K 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Smoking and the use of electronic cigarettes pose a risk of cardiovascular disease. The aim of the study was to analyze the initiation of these behaviors among Polish youth. The cross-sectional study was carried out in 2020 on a sample of secondary school students (N = 19241) representative of the Polish population, using the CAWI method. In order to estimate the relationship between the independent variables and the outcome variables, the Bayesian multivariate logistic regression was used in the R program using the brms library. Among Polish youth, age (lnBF = 303.55), smoking of traditional cigarettes by parents (lnBF = 117.29) and the type of school to which youth (lnBF = 36.15) and the province of residence (lnBF = 9.08) attend. Gender, size of the place of residence and parents’ education are not related to the risk of tobacco initiation with traditional cigarettes. When e-cigarettes were tried at least once in their life, a significant correlation was identified with a greater number of factors, such as age (lnBF = 124.87), smoking of traditional cigarettes by parents (lnBF = 56.48), province of residence (lnBF = 23.41), gender (lnBF = 16.53), use of heated tobacco (lnBF = 9.34) and e-cigarettes (lnBF = 9.13) by parents, size of the place of residence (lnBF = 8.61) and school type (lnBF = 7.26). Only the level of parents’ education remains unrelated. Factors related to the initiation and attempted use of nicotine products by adolescents indicate potential targets for the intervention. Parents who smoke and use e-cigarettes and heated tobacco should be made aware that their addiction is a strong risk factor for their children’s health. It can become a motivating factor for quitting the addiction.

Key messages
• Parental health behaviors are factors related to the initiation and attempted use of nicotine products by adolescents and indicate a potential target for a public health intervention.
• Parents who smoke and use tobacco products should be made aware that their addiction is a strong risk factor for their children’s health. It can become a motivating factor for quitting the addiction.
Mortality before and during COVID-19 outbreak in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Cilović-Lagarija Š , Musa S , Skočibušić S 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Mortality data are essential for monitoring population health and is one of the most important data for evaluation and comparison of health status at the local, national, and international level.
Objective: We analysed all-cause mortality data in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) for the period 2016-2021 and compared it with mortality occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2020 and 2021.

Methods
Using data on all-cause deaths for the period 2016-2021, obtained from the Institute for Statistics of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, we compared annual number of deaths (all-ages) and death rates during the 2020 and 2021 to pre-pandemic years.

Results
In 2016 the reported number of death was 21,146, in 2017 was 21,942, in 2018 was 21,691, and in 2019 was 22,024, and during the pandemic period in 2020 and 2021, 26,026 and 29,086 deaths were reported respectively. In 2020, 4,115 more deaths has been reported (15,8%), and in 2021 more 6,438 death (22,1%) compared with period 2016-2019. In FBiH in 2021, the death rate per 100,000 inhabitants was 1,341.2 and it is recorded an increase compared to 2020 when it had a value of 1,208.3 while in 2016 the value was 951.7.

Conclusions
A large proportion of increased mortality during pandemic was probably caused directly by COVID-19. However, the pandemic also resulted in deaths that would otherwise not have occurred (indirect deaths) due lack of access to medical services when hospitals were overwhelmed and changes in health seeking behaviour. An in-depth investigation of the underlying causes of the high excess mortality should be conducted to inform changes in the health care system and efforts to prevent severe COVID-19 through vaccination of vulnerable groups should be a priority.
*This abstract is support by ‘BoCO-19 - The Burden of Disease due to COVID-19'. Project is coordinated/led by Robert Koch Institute and supported by the WHO Regional Office for Europe.

Key messages
• During the two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, population in FBiH had a significant increase in all-cause mortality.
• The direct standardized death rate for all causes and age groups per 100,000 inhabitants in 2020 for FBiH was 818.0 and it is slightly higher compared to the EU average.
Masculinities and self-perceived risk of contracting STIs among young men in Stockholm, Sweden
Authors: Canabarro A , Salazar M 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Risk perception is a key factor influencing young men’s health-seeking behavior for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) detection. Men’s risk perception could be influenced by gendered norms embedded in social constructions of masculinities. However, the association between different domains of traditional masculinities and young men’s risk perception - which is key to inform effective health interventions - has not been studied yet. This study aimed to test if young men’s endorsement of different traditional masculinities forms were associated with current self-perceived risk of contracting STIs among young men in Stockholm, Sweden.

Methods
A population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2018 in Stockholm (N = 521 men aged 20-29 years). The Conformity to Masculinity Norms Inventory 46-items tool was used to measure different traditional masculinity domains (Winning, Emotional control, Risk taking, Violence, Playboy, Self-reliance, Primacy of work, Power over women and Heterosexual self-presentation) and overall masculinity. Adjusted multinomial logistic regressions tested the associations between masculinities (overall and each domain) and self-perceived risk of contracting STIs.

Results
Any self-perceived risk of contracting STIs was reported by 39.5% of the sample. After adjusting for confounding factors, endorsing any traditional masculinity behavior was associated with reporting any perceived risk of contracting STIs (RRR 4.9; 95% CI 2.4-10.0). Among the domains, Playboy showed the strongest association (RRR 3.6; 95% CI 2.5-5.1), followed by Risk taking (RRR 1.8; 95% CI 1.3-2.5).

Conclusions
Young men who endorse traditional masculinities behaviors have higher self-perceived risk of contracting STIs, especially those endorsing playboy and risk-taking norms. These findings highlight the need to design policies challenging traditional masculinity behaviors among young Swedish men that can be underpinning their self-perceived STIs risk.

Key messages
• Endorsement of playboy (willingness to have casual sexual partners) and risk taking (willingness to be exposed to risk) masculinity norms were associated with perceiving any risk of contracting STIs.
• Policies challenging traditional masculinity norms among young Swedish men can be designed to influence behaviors underpinning the self-perceived risk for STIs in this group.