bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Health system barriers to HPV and MMR vaccination in recent migrants/refugees in Greece
Authors: Karnaki P , Dalma A , Papaevgeniou N , Katsas K , Linos A 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Migrants have lower vaccination rates compared to the general population and report multiple barriers in accessing related services. We explored practices and perceptions regarding MMR & HPV vaccinations in migrant children & adolescents from third countries to inform the development of tailored interventions to increase vaccination coverage. Third country nationals for the RIVER-EU project are migrants arriving to the EU from countries beyond Europe (the Middle East, Asia & Africa) escaping civil conflict, war, and poverty.

Methods
A qualitative study was conducted in the wider Athens area as part of the RIVER-EU project. Four Focus Groups and 23 semi-structured interviews were conducted with health care professionals, children and parents with a migrant background. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis. Findings: Identified barriers relate to the lack of standard operational procedures at system level that would define a schedule of vaccinations for migrants. Migrant vaccinations are subject to availability of vaccines (MMR as opposed to HPV) and potential threat of outbreaks (MMR vs HPV). There is no consistent, unified recording system of vaccinations while at system level there is a lack of trained cultural mediators. Targeted health promotion campaigns are rare while the few related activities that do exist are not systematically evaluated.

Conclusions
MMR vaccination is more frequent compared to HPV which is not prioritised by the target group or health professionals. Nevertheless, the target group is open to learning more about HPV while the important role of mothers concerning vaccinations emerged as crucial. Health professionals focus more on MMR due to the availability of the vaccine and the threat of outbreaks. The vaccination system has flaws and inconsistencies with a lack of vaccination related data. There is urgent need for culturally appropriate vaccination and appropriately evaluated vaccination campaigns.
The impact of country-level structural stigma on loneliness and social capital in older and younger LGB individuals in 113 countries
Authors: Doyle DM , Qualter P , Victor C , Barreto M 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
The mental health gap between sexual minorities and heterosexuals remains a pressing issue for policy makers and scholars. In past years, numerous studies from the US found support for the vast impact structural stigma on a state level can have on the lives of LGB individuals. However, most research has been conducted within a US context and research capturing structural stigma on a country level remains scarce. In the current study we aim to close this gap by examining whether country-level structural stigma can explain loneliness and social capital among sexual minorities across the world and testing whether these relationships are different for LGB individuals from different age groups.

Methods
The current study analysed a sample of over 7000 LGB people from across 113 European and non-European countries to examine the influence of country-level structural stigma on individual level loneliness and social capital.

Results
Multilevel models showed that the greater structural stigma present in a country, the lower social capital was experienced by LGB respondents (b = -0.05, 95% CI: -0.07, -0.02, p &lt; 0.001). This relationship was unaffected by respondent age. Further, multilevel models showed the following for loneliness as an outcome: The greater structural stigma present in a country, the more loneliness was experienced by LGB individuals (b = .01, 95% CI: .01, .21, p = .048). Furthermore, this relationship was moderated by respondent age (b = -.03, 95% CI: -.06, -.01, p = .01), in the sense that younger LGB people showed significantly higher levels of loneliness than older LGB people in countries with greater, but not lesser, levels of structural stigma. These effects remained robust to adjustment for demographics as well as adding country-level covariates.

Conclusions
The findings of this study demonstrate the impact structural stigma on a country level can have on LGB individuals’ loneliness and social capital, differing for older and younger individuals.
3.Q. Workshop: Using foresight to anticipate future public health challenges
Authors:   Organised by: RIVM (Netherlands), Sciensano (Belgium), PHIRI, EUPHA-PHMR, EUPHA-FS,   Chair persons: Henk Hilderink (EUPHA-FS), Petronille Bogaert (EUPHA-PHMR)
Published: October 2022

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic brought great uncertainty about current and future health impacts. Uncertainty about how the virus would directly impact our health. And uncertainty about indirect impacts of COVID-19 on long-term health and wellbeing, including consequences due to delayed prevention, diagnosis, and medical treatment. At this point in time, we know a lot more about the immediate mortality and morbidity aspects. How we fare on the wider impacts on the longer term is more difficult to say. A structured tool for gaining in sight in this, is foresight. We use this tool within the Population Health Information Research Infrastructure (PHIRI). PHIRI supports research across Europe through the identification, access, assessment and reuse of population health and non-health data to underpin public health policy decisions. PHIRI is a practical use case and lays the foundation for ultimately developing a Distributed Infrastructure on Population Health (DIPoH). The joint workshop aims to show ways to better understand the complexity of the wider impacts of the SARS-COV-2 virus on population health across Europe; show how a research infrastructure might help researchers in Europe build capacity and helping each other to achieve higher goals. The workshop will begin with a presentation providing a brief overview of the PHIRI foresight work. This will be followed by two researchers who participated in the PHIRI foresight training program and undertook their own Public Health Foresight study. In the last presentation of the session foresight will be reflected on from a policy perspective. How can researchers and health policy makers better interact to have better foresight-informed policy making. Interaction with the audience will be guaranteed using Mentimeter questions. With this interactive element, insights art obtained what people find the most important trends to act upon, what they consider most important future challenges and how researchers and policymakers can better interact.

Key messages
• Foresight studies are essential to be better prepared for and to anticipate to future challenges.
• With foresight-informed policy making direct and indirect health impacts of COVID-19 are addressed.
Using foresight methodologies to tackle SARS-COV-2 related health impacts
Authors: Tijhuis M , Moye Holz D , Rodriguez M , Peyroteo M , Hilderink H 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
A better understanding of possible future developments is essential for policy makers to anticipate and influence these trends. Public health foresight studies (PHFS) are tools to support this. The current health crisis makes clear that PHFS are necessary more than ever to target possible future impacts resulting from SARS-COV-2 induced changes in e.g. regular health care services, lifestyle and socio-economic developments. To support European countries in doing their own foresight studies, PHIRI aims to strengthen foresight capacity.

Methods
PHIRI follows a 4-step approach: 1. Making an inventory of current PHFS capacities and capacity needs across European countries using desk research and an online survey; 2. Providing PHFS capacity building via a training course and workshops; 3. Supporting the development of public health scenarios for the short term (0-5 years) and longer-term (5-20 years); 4. Supporting the identification of promising policy strategies, using policy dialogues.

Results
The online survey was completed by participants of 21 countries and shed light on existing national PHFS and needs for capacity building. It also provided a basis for the development of a professional network on PHFS within the project. A PHFS capacity building course was developed, including videos posted on the PHIRI website and a template structuring the different foresight elements. Around 15 researchers undertook their own PHFS, covering a wide range of public health topics, using the material provided during the course. In addition, a compact guide was developed and provided, explaining the different foresight elements. Based on these studies, common challenges and promising policies are identified.

Conclusions
Foresight in public health is gaining more and more interest, especially now in these times of crisis. PHIRI provides more insight in the wider public health impacts of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and in translating this into policy options.
Foresight for policy – addressing the challenges for policy impact
Authors: Bontoux L 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
The role of policymaking is to create the future that we want. In its communication on Better Regulation, the European Commission recognises the need for strategic foresight to play a key role in helping to ‘future-proof’ EU policymaking. The aim is to ensure that decisions are grounded in a longer-term perspective. In times of rapid change, EU policymaking needs to have impact assessments, fitness checks and major regulatory evaluations informed by foresight. Strategic foresight is also a powerful way to engage with stakeholders and not only capture their perspectives, but also generate collective intelligence in the areas of policy interest.

Lessons from EU policy making
This fits within a broader effort at the Commission to be at the forefront of excellence in policymaking in Europe and worldwide. This is why the EU Policymaking Hub was launched 2020. It offers a platform for policymakers to learn, collaborate and share knowledge in EU policymaking, introducing new capacity building offers. It aims at strengthening the Commission's policymaking capacity through anticipating, developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating policies in an evidence-informed, transparent, and collaborative way with stakeholders, citizens and experts. Providing the policymaking community with a framework for long-term competence development will strengthen the profession, make it fit for the future, contribute to colleagues’ motivation and help the Commission to achieve its goals.

Conclusions
Being futures literate covers a range of skills from anticipation to the ability to run in-depth foresight processes. It spans a range of abilities from having an anticipatory mindset to scanning for change, understanding change and being able to influence change. Since its inception, this competence framework is at the base of an effort to train European civil servants in foresight and to increase foresight literacy for application in policymaking.
High level review of configuration and reform of Public Health systems in selected countries
Authors: Cardwell K , Broderick N , Tyner B , Masukume G , Harrington P , Connolly M , Larkin L , Clyne B , Ryan M , O'Neill M 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted governments internationally to consider reform and strengthening of their Public Health systems. To support this work in Ireland, we undertook a review Public Health systems internationally (research question [RQ] 1), and identified lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic (RQ2).

Methods
Data relating to Public Health systems (RQ1), and lessons learned (RQ2) for a select group of 12 countries were identified from organisations’ websites, an electronic database and grey literature search and representatives from key national-level organisations. Data for RQ1 were extracted, mapped to the 12 Essential Public Health functions (EPHFs) at national, regional and local levels, and verified by participating representatives. For RQ2, thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with participating representatives was undertaken and.

Results
Typically, across all included countries, there is national strategic oversight of all EPHFs and, for certain functions, there is regional and local level implementation. Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic broadly related to the themes of legislation and decision making; data collection, surveillance, evidence synthesis and collaboration; public health interventions; public participation, public messaging and communication; continuation of healthcare services; and workforce capacity and resilience.

Conclusions
When structuring Public Health systems, there is a need to identify which functions, and or which elements of a function, should be delivered at a national, regional or local level to ensure a sustainable and comprehensive Public Health system. Appropriate IT infrastructure, strong communication and an established evidence synthesis function are key to timely and informed decision making. Ideally, these functions should be established during periods of relative stability to permit a faster response during a pandemic or emergency situation.
Organisational perspectives on Public Health delivery in Ireland: Lessons learned from COVID-19
Authors: Norris M , Carty P , McDowell C , O’Loughlin M , Comaskey F , Jingjing J , Harrington P , Ryan M , O'Neill M 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic has placed healthcare systems worldwide under unprecedented pressure, with the Irish Public Health system no different. To strengthen delivery of Essential Public Health Functions (EPHFs) and increase future pandemic preparedness, Public Health leaders are now focused on identifying learnings from the pandemic. Within Ireland, given their experience, organisations situated within the Public Health system may be in a unique position to provide valuable information around the delivery of EPHFs, both prior to and in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how this can be improved in the future.

Methods
An online survey was distributed by the Department of Health, from 2 March 2022 to 25 March 2022, amongst organisations situated within the Public Health domain in Ireland. The survey consisted of six open-ended questions around the delivery of EPHFs prior to and in light of the pandemic, success stories that could provide scalable solutions to EPHF delivery and current health system barriers, key areas in the public health system that require strengthening, and barriers to achieving these actions. Thematic analysis to identify key themes was conducted on survey responses.

Results
Twenty-eight organisational responses were received. Themes around the workforce were apparent throughout, with staff training, staff diversity and staff morale, identified as areas for strengthening EPHF delivery. Themes around ICT, data collection and research were frequently identified with a lack of adequate ICT identified as a key lesson from the pandemic, while the Public Health ICT strategy was identified as key to strengthening future EPHF delivery.

Conclusions
In general, themes around the workforce; leadership, management and governance and ICT, data collection and research were reoccurring across organisational responses and therefore may be key areas for consideration when strengthening delivery of the EPHFs in Ireland.

Speakers/Panelist
Louise Hendricks
Department of Health, Ireland
Sohel Saikat
WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
4.C. Workshop: Promoting health without borders: cross-border public health policy in the Euregio Meuse-Rhine
Authors:   Organised by: EUPHA-PHPP, Gesundheitsamt Düren (Germany), Foundation euPrevent (Netherlands),   Chair persons: Sofia Ribeiro (EUPHA-PHPP)
Published: October 2022

Abstract

For more than 20 years, different public health institutions in the German-Belgian-Dutch border triangle have been involved in cross-border public health activities. The partners in the Euregio Meuse-Rhine (EMR), as this area is called, have jointly implemented studies on COVID-19 and on adolescent risk behaviour. They have established joint health reporting for various purposes and implemented prevention measures together. The special problems in the border regions during the Corona pandemic have once again impressively shown how important cross-border cooperation is - also for cross-border public health policy. In the health sector, orientation towards municipal, state and federal borders does not lead to the desired results. The results of the Euregional COVID 19 study of 2021 show that in this way a ‘borderless’ life - and partly also cross-border health care - cannot be adequately served. In fact, in the everyday life of a border community, there is hardly any difference between a district border and a national border. In the EMR, this is exemplary for the entire European Union, with its many national or local responsibilities. For infectious diseases, lifestyle risks, environmental toxins or climate risks, borders have no meaning. For health, however, they do. Cross-border policy and politics is the appropriate response to real European conditions. The workshop will show the possibilities and results of cross-border policy on the basis of 3 examples from the long-standing cooperation of public health actors from the Euregio Meuse-Rhine. Finally, we will present these factors and put them up for discussion. From these and other activities, the factors that enable or hinder policy along borders can be deduced. We will present these factors, classify their significance and present the possibility of generalisation for cross-border work for discussion.

Key messages
• Cross-border policy and coordination are the appropriate responses to the current realities in the European Union.
• National differences in culture, administration and policy can be obstacles to cooperation; but are usually inspiration for new approaches and input for best practice.
The Euregional policy impact of COVID 19 on the border region between the Netherlands, North-Rhine Westphalia and Belgium
Authors: Hoebe C 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
During the Coronavirus pandemic, internal European borders were temporarily re-established with the argument to mitigate the outbreak. Also in the border region between the Netherlands, North-Rhine Westphalia and Belgium (EMR). Existing evidence on the effectiveness of border control for infectious disease control (IDC) has been dominated by studies that focused on scenarios within countries with limited attention to border regions. To address this gap, we analysed the experiences of public health professionals working in European border regions. We conducted three studies: 1. seroprevalence and questionnaire study among 10.001 Dutch persons with and without cross border mobility, 2. analyses of incidence data in municipalities in 4 cross border regions to analyse cross border differences, and 3. we conducted 27 semi-structured interviews with public health professionals in the EMR. Participants were asked about their perspectives on border controls and the spread of Covid-19.
Four key-results: First, border regions are characterised by dynamic social life and cross-border movements. Incidence was mainly determined by country policy, Second, the impact of border control and closing on local infectious disease epidemics is likely marginal. Third, due to the dynamic social life, border control measures cannot be fully implemented in border regions, and thus their effectiveness is even more questionable. Fourth, border control measures may harm the social fabric of border regions more than they do in in-countries territories. Our study results highlighted the ineffective role of border control measures for regional infectious disease control. Sustainable cross-border collaboration is crucial to ensure effective pandemic management in border regions. The results of our study impacted on policy makers, to be much more reluctant with closing borders.
Food Production as a challenge for One Health Approach and Public Health
Authors: Jevtic M , Bouland C 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
A sustainable food production is essential for human sustainability. According to available data, the world's diets and food habits must evolve and change intensely. Nowadays, more than 800 million people suffer from deficient food. On the other hand, more consumers have an unhealthy diet contributing to premature death, obesity, food related non-communicable diseases. Diets must provide an appropriate calorie intake, different of plant-based food, low amounts of animal-based food, unsaturated fats, vitamins and minerals (rather than saturated, refined grains, highly processed foods, and added sugars). It is needed adjustment to various agro-systems, cultural traditions, and individual dietary preferences. However, production must also be sustainably adjusted to meet the global population's growing food demands, as well as using the doughnut economy principle. A sustainable food production requires a One Health approach, and also evolving towards a decarbonized agricultural production by eliminating the use of fossil fuels and land use change losses of CO2 in agriculture. Policies to encourage people to choose healthy diets are needed. Those should include the improvement of the availability and accessibility to healthy food through improved logistics and storage, increased food security, policies that promote buying from sustainable sources, as well as reducing food waste. The mindset change regarding to the agro-system, food production and food usage in a healthy way at individual level, community level, national level and global level are essential for sustainable human population. Healthy eating should be the highest priority of food consumers, as well as its mindset shift from ‘live to eat’ to ‘eat to live’. Consumers should feel safe and healthy, but also think about future generations, respecting agriculture and food production. Sustainable, equitable, healthier, and more inclusive food systems have the power to catalyze the achievement of all 17 SDGs by 2030.