bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal rate of change in depression symptoms from pre- to post-COVID-19 onset among US mothers
Authors: Kapp J , Coble D , Kemner A , Hall B 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
The extent of the psychological impact of the pandemic is still unfolding. Despite existing literature, most studies lack rigor. We assessed the longitudinal rate of intra-individual change in maternal depression symptoms from before to after COVID-19 onset among US mothers enrolled in a home visiting program with robust adjustment for family contextual factors. We hypothesize that the rate of change in maternal depression symptoms increased after the pandemic onset.

Methods
Eligibility included mothers with ≥1 depression assessment both prior to and after March 16, 2020; thresholds of ≥ 13 on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and ≥10 on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 identified probable depression. We used a generalized linear mixed effects longitudinal model with a random intercept and random slope for time (years) to analyze probable depression (event=‘Yes') pre- and post-COVID. Covariates for model estimation were based on the literature and theory.

Results
Our cohort of 3,431 mothers included 43% non-Hispanic White, 21% non-Hispanic Black, and 31% Hispanic races/ethnicities; 58% from rural/small towns, 18% Spanish-speaking, 63% with one child, median age of 29 and median 2 years follow-up. Households included: 82% low income, 24% low education, 10% insecure housing, 29% single parents, 21% mental illness, 10% substance abuse, and 8% domestic violence. Fourteen percent screened positive for depression pre-COVID, and 10% post-COVID. Depression was significantly higher pre- versus post-COVID, with no significant difference in the rate of change over time. Significant variables (p &lt; 0.05) associated with depression included race/ethnicity, region of the country, number of home visits, mental illness, substance abuse, and domestic violence.

Conclusions
After controlling for family contextual factors, we did not find a significant increase in maternal depression post-COVID-19. Additional research is needed to examine subgroups and the timing of events.

Key messages
• The extent of the psychological impact from the pandemic is still unfolding.
• It is difficult to fully articulate its effects without rigorous, longitudinal research designs.
11.P. Workshop: Tobacco control policy strategies to contribute to the EU’s tobacco-free generation goal
Authors:   Organised by: Tilburg University, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam (Netherlands),   Chair persons: Andrea Rozema (Netherlands), Mirte Kuipers (Netherlands)
Published: October 2022

Abstract

In 2021, the European Union's (EU) ‘Europe's Beating Cancer Plan’ set the goal to achieve a tobacco-free generation in Europe by 2040, which means that less than 5% of people will use tobacco. The EU proposed policies to address internationally relevant issues such as tobacco taxation, cross-border purchases, packaging, flavours, and online advertising. However, many tobacco control policies need to be adopted and implemented at the national or local level. It is therefore important to exchange research findings and insights on national tobacco control policies. In this workshop we present results mainly from the Netherlands. With a 21% smoking prevalence and scores 53 out of 100 points on the Tobacco Control Scale, it may therefore be considered an average European country in terms of its tobacco control. However, the Netherlands has progressed its tobacco control policies in recent years, in part due to the 2018 National Prevention Agreement. This Agreement included the same goal as the European tobacco-free generation goal. Achieving a tobacco-free generation requires the prevention of smoking initiation among young people, but also smoking cessation among those who already smoke. This is especially important among lower socioeconomic groups, as the smoking prevalence in these groups is higher both in adults and adolescents. Therefore, smoking and tobacco products need to be less visible and available in the environment, and easily accessible smoking cessation support needs to be provided. With this workshop, we cluster very recent evidence on the EU's tobacco-free generation goal. We will present evidence on four policy strategies for the smoke-free generation, in which their potential impact and challenges in implementation will be discussed. These presentations will be followed by a plenary discussion on the implications and the relevance of the four strategies taking into account differences between international settings.
The presentations will focus on four policy areas:
• Policies to reduce smoke-exposure in and around sport clubs
• Policies to reduce availability of tobacco products in the retail environment
• Policies to reduce smoke-exposure in hospitality venues and homes
• Policies to increase access to smoking cessation
The objectives of the workshop are:
1. Present evidence of four tobacco control policies strategies
2. Discussion of the international relevance and implications of the results

Key messages
• We present on multiple settings that can be further capitalised on to achieve a non-smoking norm, including sports clubs, retail outlets, hospitality venues, and the home environment.
• The majority of European countries currently does not have strong tobacco control policies in the presented settings, and the potential of such policies throughout Europe will be discussed.
Improve service coordination and delivery in community hubs serving homeless and at-risk populations
Authors: Shamaa H , Sun W , Peters V , Martignetti L , Valant E , Sparks D 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Two community hubs are currently located in Durham Region, Ontario, Canada, to provide a single point of access to a wide range of support services for individuals experiencing homelessness and other at-risk populations. The community hub in Oshawa is formally known as the Back Door Mission for the Relief of Poverty and the community hub in Ajax is formally known as the Ajax Hygiene Hub. It is unclear if these two community hubs are effective in addressing the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness and how the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact these services amongst this population. This study was conducted to identify gaps and barriers within the community hub models as well as provide recommendations to improve the coordination and delivery of services serving individuals experiencing homelessness and other at-risk populations.

Methods
A mixed methods approach was utilized in this study, which included surveys for individuals experiencing homelessness, through open-ended and close-ended questions to assess their experiences at either one of the two community hubs. A total of 75 surveys were completed by the study participants (40 surveys in Oshawa and 35 in Ajax). Thematic analysis was performed for all the open-ended survey responses. A literature review was also conducted to evaluate the community hub models as well as best practices for the implementation locally, nationally, and internationally.

Results
Data analysis for the open-ended survey responses revealed the need for housing support, increased resources for medical services, and the expansion of programs provided by the community hubs.

Conclusions
Homelessness is a major public health issue however community hubs play a pivotal role in addressing this concern in Durham Region. The equitable access to a diverse range of services that are co-located in a community hub is imperative for individuals experiencing homelessness, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key messages
Screening intimate partner violence in the healthcare services during Covid-19 lockdowns in Israel
Authors: Agronsky B Pekar , Daoud N 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Studies have shown increased rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) during the Covid-19 lockdowns. Healthcare services (HCS) have an important role in detection and screening of women victims of IPV. These women tend to visit the HCS more frequently, which creates an opportunity to detect, screen, and inform them about relevant support services.

Methods
We conducted an online survey during Israel's 2nd and 3rd lockdowns (October 2020-February 2021). A self-administrated structured questionnaire was distributed in Arabic and Hebrew via social media. Eligibility criteria included women &gt;18 years old. 519 women completed the questionnaire: Palestinian-Arab=73; non-immigrant Jew=319; and immigrant Jew=127. We asked women whether they were ever screened (ES) for IPV or received information (RI) on support services in the HCS.

Results
37.2% of the women reported any IPV; Palestinian-Arab women reported higher rates of IPV (49.3%) compared to non-immigrant Jew (34.2%) and immigrant Jew (37.8%). Prevalence of ES and RI on support services were low among the total study sample (21.8%, 47% respectively). Only 12.1% reported on both (ES and RI). Among women who reported IPV, only 26.9% reported that they had been ES, 39.4% RI, and 13.5% both. Whilst Palestinian-Arab women victims of IPV reported higher ES and a lower RI (30.6%,25% respectively) non-immigrant and immigrant Jew reported the opposite -higher prevalence of RI and less ES (non-immigrant Jew 45%,25.7%. Immigrant Jew 37.5%,27%, respectively). In the multivariate analysis after adjusts, Palestinian-Arab women were less likely to RI regarding support services (OR = 0.33,90%CI=0.19-0.57), while immigrant Jew women had a greater chance to be ES in HCS (OR = 4.29, 90% CI=1.43-12.80).

Conclusions
To increase IPV detection in the HCS, there is a need for interventions on screening and providing information on support services specifically during emergencies where IPV is likely to increase.

Key messages
Barriers to HIV testing among transgender women and men who have sex with men in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Tewogbola OT , Thapa S 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Accessing HIV testing services is a challenge for transgender women and men who have sex with men (MSM) in sub-Saharan Africa. Only a little about this issue has been understood and discussed. No systematic review exists that discusses barriers to HIV testing among transgender women and MSM on the regional level.

Methods
We systematically searched databases namely MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Google Scholar to identify qualitative studies that reported decision-making and/or experiences with HIV testing uptake among transgender women or MSM and that were conducted in sub-Saharan Africa between January 2005 and March 2020. Two independent authors performed the selection, extraction, and thematic analysis of data.

Results
Twelve out of 794 studies were found eligible and included for synthesis. The synthesis led to the development of a framework illustrating multi-level, inter-related barriers to HIV testing. Couple-based HIV testing policies, criminalizing same-sex behaviors, and (health) governance being influenced by traditional religious (Islamic or Christianity) belief systems were the barriers at the regional level. Discriminatory practices in the communities and health institutions were the community-specific barriers. Interpersonal barriers included interactions with healthcare providers leading to forced disclosure and/or discrimination, and individual level barriers included fears and depressive thoughts, and poor healthcare access.

Conclusions
We identified policies and practices at the regional and country levels that hindered HIV testing practices among transgender women and MSM, which should be reconsidered while providing HIV prevention services to people of gender-minority backgrounds. We also think that countries from the global west do have a responsibility to question the sovereignty of some African countries for their inability to provide optimal health care to gender minority populations.

Key messages
Youth HIV services in the context of COVID-19 pandemic in Sofala Province, Mozambique
Authors: Casigliani V , Ronzoni N , Merolle A , Chenene F , Cinturao V , Putoto G 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
After the first COVID-19 case in Mozambique, the government established a state of emergency in period April - September 2020. To reduce exposure for people living with HIV (PLWHIV), the Ministry of Health modified service delivery guidance, interrupting community activities, and revising patient flow within health facilities. The study aimed to measure the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on HIV testing and treatment services in Sofala Province, Mozambique.

Methods
The study analysed the activities in 9 youth HIV services called SAAJs (Serviço amigo do adolescente e jovem) supported by Doctors with Africa CUAMM in 2020 and 2021. The following data were gathered and analysed: number of counselling sessions, number of HIV tests performed, number of people who tested positive and therefore started the antiretroviral treatment (ART), number of PLHIV on ART. Data were disaggregated by sex and age.

Results
In 2020 and 2021 85466 and 141844 counselling sessions were performed, respectively. A decrease of 41% was observed in the second trimester of 2020 compared with the previous one. The number of counselling sessions came back at pre-pandemic levels in the 2nd trimester of 2021. People aged 20-24 accessed more in 2020, while those aged 15-19 in 2021. In 2020 people tested for HIV were 22753, while the number was twice in 2021: the increase was higher among males(p&lt;.05). In 2020 females were more likely to be tested, while in 2021 it was the opposite(p&lt;.05). The positivity rate was 2.5% and 1.5%, respectively; in both years males were more likely to be tested positive(p&lt;.05). In 2020 86.1% of people tested positive started the ART, in 2021 98%. Males were more at risk of not starting the ART(p&lt;.05). The number of PLWHIV on ART did not decrease over time.

Conclusions
ART provision was generally maintained during the COVID-19 pandemic, while other services were heavily impacted. The difference observed among sex was significant and may inform future interventions.

Key messages
Does neighbourhood crime mediate the relationship between neighbourhood SES and birth outcomes?
Authors: Ochoa L Burgos , Bijlsma MJ , Steegers EAP , Been JV , Bertens LCM 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Previous studies have consistently found that women living in low socioeconomic status (SES) neighbourhoods are at higher risk of experiencing adverse birth outcomes compared to women from high SES areas. However, the mechanisms through which neighbourhood SES might influence health at birth remain poorly understood. One of the proposed pathways is the exposure to higher crime rates. The aim of this study is to investigate whether neighbourhood crime mediates the relationship between neighbourhood SES and birth outcomes.

Methods
A retrospective cohort study including over 1.3 million singleton births occurred in the Netherlands between 2010 and 2017. Individual-level data from the Dutch perinatal registry was linked to quintiles of neighbourhood SES scores and neighbourhood-level crime rates. Using the mediational g-formula, we estimated the total effect, natural direct effect, and natural indirect effect of neighbourhood SES on birth outcomes: small-for-gestational-age (SGA), low birth weight, and preterm birth. The neighbourhood SES intervention settings correspond with a hypothetical improvement in neighbourhood SES from the lowest to the highest quintile.

Results
The hypothetical improvement in neighbourhood SES resulted in a 6.6% (CI = 5.6%; 7.5%) relative reduction in the proportion of SGA births, an 8.9% (CI = 7.6%; 10.3%) reduction in the proportion of low birth weight, and a 5.1% (CI = 4.0%; 6.1%) decrease of preterm birth. Neighbourhood crime accounted for 29.0% (CI = 25.1%; 32.8%) of the total effect of neighbourhood SES on SGA, and for 8.6% (CI = 5.1%; 11.6%) of the total effect on low birth weight. For preterm birth, we found no evidence of mediation by neighbourhood crime.

Conclusions
Neighbourhood crime mediates the association between neighbourhood SES and key adverse birth outcomes. Interventions targeted at lowering neighbourhood crime rates could improve birth outcomes in disadvantaged areas.

Key messages
Do fathers have sufficient knowledge to administer medicine to children correctly?
Authors: Yanagi N , Satoh H , Sawada Y 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Recently, the father's involvement in childcare is increasing in Japan. Inappropriate use of medication for children at home has been reported worldwide, however, the most responsible person was likely to be the mother. We aimed to compare the knowledge related to administering medication to children between fathers and mothers among Japanese parents.

Methods
An online survey regarding medication administration to children was conducted in March 2022. Parents living with preschool children were recruited and categorized by four factors: sex (fathers and mothers), age of children, regular medication, and the difficulty level in giving medicine to their own children. The cross-sectional data were collected for each category. The knowledge related to administering medication to children was measured using ten statements such as “Children can be given a reduced dose of adult medicine” using a 5-point Likert scale. The answer “disagree” was defined as correct understanding and was compared between fathers and mothers (Chi-square test).

Results
The participants were 145 fathers and 128 mothers. The percentage of fathers who answered all questions correctly or all questions incorrectly was 9.0% (mothers = 13.3%) and 25.5% (mothers = 13.3%) respectively. Each statement was answered correctly by fathers 20.0-57.9% and by mothers 25.8-71.9% and fathers were less likely to have the correct knowledge than mothers (6 items, p &lt; 0.05). The biggest difference between those two groups was the statement of “Children should be given more than the proper dose for rapid effect”. Furthermore, the fathers having some difficulties in giving medicine had lower awareness about appropriate medication use than fathers having no difficulties.

Conclusions
Fathers were more likely to have lower knowledge related to administering medication to children than mothers. Medical professionals like pharmacists will need to support fathers.

Key messages
Impact of socioeconomic position on childhood obesity in Finland based on register data from 2018
Authors: Paalanen L , Levälahti E , Mäki P , Tolonen H , Laatikainen T 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Obesity is a globally growing public health challenge among children. In developed countries, the risk of obesity is commonly higher among lower socioeconomic groups. Measuring socioeconomic position (SEP), especially income, is challenging in surveys as self-reported information may suffer from reporting, awareness, recall and non-response bias. Our aim is to utilize official register data on several SEP indicators and measured height and weight of children, to identify the strongest predictors of SEP of the parents on the risk of obesity among the whole 2-17-year-old child population in Finland.

Methods
Data for all children who had visited child health clinic or school health care in 2018 were extracted from the National Outpatient Register on Primary Health Care Services (n = 387623, coverage 40% in 2018). Obesity was defined according to the WHO criteria. SEP indicators were obtained from Statistics Finland for both parents living in the same household with a child. Boosted regression model was used to analyze the contribution of SEP to obesity using training dataset on 155479 non-related children.

Results
The area under the curve for the final model in training dataset was 0.736 and 0.718 in validation dataset. Mother's educational level (12.6% of the total explained variation) and household's disposable income (12.6%) were the SEP indicators that most strongly predicted childhood obesity, whereas the impact of educational level of the father was somewhat smaller (8.1%). The influence of the age of a child was even bigger (39.2%), the prevalence of obesity being highest at 11 and 9 years of age among boys and girls, respectively.

Conclusions
Our results based on official register data from Finland, a Nordic high-income country, endorse earlier findings on higher obesity risk among children with low socio-economic family background. Identification of the SEP related risk factors and support to families are essential in the prevention of childhood obesity.

Key messages
Changing epidemiology and trends in incidence of thyroid cancer in England, 1985-2019
Authors: Stonell R , Bannister P , Memon A 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Thyroid cancer is 2-3 times more common in females and is currently the fastest growing cancer worldwide. Exposure to ionizing radiation is the only established risk factor for thyroid cancer. Other factors include obesity, history of benign thyroid conditions, and family history. We conducted a retrospective population-based cohort study to examine whether there have been changes in the incidence of thyroid cancer in England during the past four decades.

Methods
Individual level data for patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer in England during 1985-2019 were obtained from the Office for National Statistics/Public Health England. Average annual incidence rates were calculated by two age categories (0-49, 50+ years) and all ages combined during the seven five-year time periods (1985-89 to 2015-19). The percentage change in incidence was calculated as change in the average annual incidence rate from the first (1985-89) to the last time period (2015-19).

Results
During the 35-year study period, a total of 58,710 new cases of thyroid cancer were registered in England (27.3% males, 72.7% females). In young people aged 0-49 years, the average annual incidence rates increased by 375% in males and 438% in females (from 0.4/100,000 in 1985-89 to 1.9/100,000 in 2015-19 in males and from 1.3/100,000 in 1985-89 to 7.0/100,000 in 2015-19 in females). In older people aged 50+ years, the rates increased by 146% in males and 171% in females (from 2.4/100,000 in 1985-89 to 5.9/100,000 in 2015-19 in males and from 4.1/100,000 in 1985-89 to 11.1/100,000 in 2015-19 in females).

Conclusions
There has been a steady and substantial increase in the incidence of thyroid cancer in England over the past four decades. The largest increase in incidence was observed in young people aged 0-49 years. Some of this increase is due to enhanced surveillance and sensitive diagnostic methods, but other factors (e.g., obesity and history of benign thyroid conditions) need to be considered.

Key messages