bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sickness absence and disability pension in white-collar workers in the trade and retail industry
Authors: Farrants K , Alexanderson K 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Very little is known about sickness absence among white-collars workers in the trade and retail industry, despite being a large and important group on the labour market. The aim was to investigate future sickness absence (SA) and disability pension (DP) in a cohort of privately employed white-collar employees in the trade and retail industry.

Methods
A prospective population-based cohort study of all 192,077 such white-collar workers (44% women) in Sweden in 2012, using linked microdata from three nationwide registers covering 2012-2016. Prevalence and mean number of SA and/or DP net days/year in general and by diagnoses categories were calculated for all and also stratified by sex. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) between sociodemographic and work-related factors and future SA/DP.

Results
The proportion who had SA and/or DP was higher in women (10-13%, depending on year) than men (4-6%) each year. Each studied year, women had more mean SA/DP net days than men in the entire cohort, however, among those who had SA and/or DP, there were no gender differences regarding the mean number of net days. The mean number of SA/DP net days increased for both women and men each year, especially SA due to mental diagnoses. SA in 2012 was the strongest factor associated with SA/DP in 2016 (OR women 3.28, 95% CI 3.09-3.47; men 4.10, 95% CI 3.76-4.48). Work-related factors were only weakly or insignificantly associated with future SA/DP. The ORs for most factors were stronger for men than for women.

Conclusions
More knowledge about the mechanisms behind these results are needed. Some SA/DP measures showed large sex-differences, others not - it is important to use different measures to show the complexity of these phenomena. Several factors were more strongly associated with SA/DP among men than among women, indicating that there are other factors of importance for women.

Key messages
Prior sick leave with mental or somatic diagnoses and being in work in ages 66–71; a Swedish cohort
Authors: Martikainen A , Alavi A Svensson , Alexanderson K , Farrants K 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
As longevity and retirement ages are increasing, knowledge is needed on factors hindering extended working lives. The aim of this study was to explore how sickness absence (SA) and disability pension (DP) due to mental and/or somatic diagnoses before age 65 were associated with being in paid work when aged 66-71.

Methods
A 6-year prospective population-based cohort study of all 98,551 people (48% women) in Sweden who turned 65 years in 2010 (baseline year) and had been in paid work at any point when aged 60-64. Microdata from nationwide registers were used. Exposure variables were SA (spells &gt;14 days) and/or DP in 2005-2009, and the outcome variable was paid work at any point in 2011-2016. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations between exposures and outcome, controlling for sociodemographic factors in 2010, stratified by sex.

Results
Most women (56.0%) and men (66.3%) had no SA or DP when aged 60-64. Of the women, 42.7% and of the men 53.3% were in paid work after the age of 65. Those with SA due to mental diagnoses had lower OR of being in paid work (women 0.76; 95% CI: 0.69-0.84; men 0.74; 0.65-0.84). This association was weaker for SA due to somatic diagnoses (women 0.87; 0.84-0.91; men 0.92; 0.89-0.96). Having had SA due to both mental and somatic diagnoses was associated with lower OR for men (0.77; 0.65-0.91) but not women (0.98; 0.88-1.09). Full- or part-time DP had the strongest association with not being in paid work regardless of diagnosis group and sex (e.g., women mental DP 0.39; 0.34-0.45; women somatic DP 0.38; 0.35-0.41; men mental DP 0.36; 0.29-0.43; men somatic DP 0.35; 0.32-0.38).

Conclusions
SA due to mental diagnoses had a stronger association with not being in paid work after age 65 than SA due to somatic diagnoses. The results highlight the importance of identifying factors that hinder older workers with mental disorders to extend their working lives.

Key messages
Impact of COVID-19 on psychosocial work factors and emotional exhaustion among healthcare workers
Authors: van Elk F , Robroek SJW , Burdorf A , Hengel KM Oude 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Healthcare workers are at risk to develop mental health problems and to experience adverse psychosocial working conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to investigate across subgroups of healthcare workers i) differences in psychosocial working conditions and emotional exhaustion, ii) changes in psychosocial working conditions and emotional exhaustion during the pandemic compared to the situation before, and iii) impact of different stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of hospital pressure on psychosocial working conditions and emotional exhaustion.

Methods
Data on psychosocial working conditions and emotional exhaustion of five measurements from 1,915 healthcare workers participating in the longitudinal study ‘the Netherlands Working Conditions Survey- COVID-19’ were used. Three subgroups were defined: working with COVID-19 patients, working with other patients, and not working with patients. For each measurement, hospital pressure was determined. Linear mixed models were fitted to analyze the differences across subgroups of healthcare workers.

Results
Healthcare workers working with patients, in particular COVID-19 patients, had more unfavorable psychosocial working conditions than those not working with patients. Psychosocial working conditions deteriorated among those working with patients compared to pre-COVID-19, but no changes were found for emotional exhaustion. An increasing hospital pressure resulted in improved job autonomy and emotional demands among healthcare workers working with COVID-19 patients, but did not result in differences in other working conditions and emotional exhaustion.

Conclusions
Psychosocial working conditions deteriorated for healthcare workers working with (COVID-19) patients during the pandemic compared to the situation before the pandemic, while emotional exhaustion did not change in these subgroups. This shows the importance of interventions to improve working conditions of healthcare workers.

Key messages
Predictors of physical activity and smoking among German teachers during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic
Authors: Eggert V , Koestner C , Beutel T , Kalo K , Dicks T , Zaehme C , Letzel S , Dietz P 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has influenced the social and health-related behavior due to significant changes and constraints in the professional and private life. Especially in the school context, there were considerable changes, which may have promoted positive and negative health behaviors. Therefore, the aim of our study was to identify the predictors of physical activity and smoking of teachers during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Methods
In March 2021, a nation-wide online survey was conducted among teachers in Germany. A total number of 31,089 participants entered analysis. Data on smoking and physical activity as well as sociodemographic, workplace-related, psychological, SARS-CoV-2-related, and health-related items were collected using established instruments and if necessary self-developed items. Two binary logistic regressions with block wise inclusion of the different variable groups were performed to predict physical activity and smoking.

Results
Among all surveyed teachers, 70.1% did not comply with the WHO recommendation of being physically active for at least 150 minutes per week and 13.9% reported to smoke. The regression analyses revealed significant predictors for physical activity (e.g., time requirement) and smoking (e.g., work schedule).

Conclusions
Recommendations to improve teachers’ health can be derived from the predictors for physical activity and smoking that were identified in our study. Given the alarming result that more than two thirds of the teachers did not comply with the WHO recommendations, a special focus should be placed on improving physical activity, as this is a crucial factor for somatic and mental health.

Key messages
General paediatrics: motives and concerns of medical students on the career pathway
Authors: Šlegerová L , Michenka P , Kočí M 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Child public health is dependent on preventive care provided by primary care physicians for children and adolescents. Nevertheless, their accessibility in Czechia is exceedingly endangered by their ageing (the average increased by 1.5 years to 57.5 in eight years). This study aims to (1) identify medical students who opt for paediatric residency and explore the effect of undergraduate training on their decision, (2) detect factors that would persuade them to become practitioners, and (3) factors influencing their choice of a medical facility. The analysis builds on our survey's unique data exploring students’ views on training and occupational preferences. Students in the fourth to the sixth year of all medical faculties in Czechia were addressed in two waves (2020 and 2021) of this cross-sectional study, resulting in 2,283 complete questionnaires (response and coverage rate of 25.3%). Out of these, 306 respondents have already decided on or shortlisted paediatrics as a residency speciality, with a strong over-representation of women (85.3%). The evaluation of undergraduate paediatric training's quality (in terms of its organisation, number of students and teachers’ feedback) is mildly correlated with considering the paediatric residency (Cramer's V &lt; 0.1). Fewer administrative obligations represent the most frequent factor necessary to lean towards primary care, reported by 54% of respondents preferring hospital paediatrics (or yet undecided); a financial entry bonus is less convincing (only 27% of them). To attract graduates, medical facilities need to provide favourable conditions for residency (good supervisor, employer's support in the training); financial offers might not be an adequate decoy in less-attractive areas. This survey sheds light on medical students’ views and decision-making processes, which are essential to consider in the public discussion on the future accessibility of primary care for children and adolescents.

Key messages
Nurse understaffing and short work experience as predictors of healthcare-associated infections
Authors: Peutere L , Terho K , Pentti J , Ropponen A , Kivimäki M , Härmä M , Krutova O , Ervasti J , Koskinen A , Virtanen M 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a serious risk factor for hospital patients leading to more than 90 000 deaths each year in European countries. It has been evaluated that 7% of patients in European acute care hospitals acquire an HAI, and that a large part of cases could be prevented. Good hand hygiene is central in preventing HAIs, which may be compromised under high work pressure. The aim of this study was to analyse the associations between nurse understaffing and short work experience with the risk of HAIs at patient-level. Prior evidence on this topic remains inconclusive due to a reliance on imprecise measurement of these exposures.

Methods
We utilized administrative data on employees’ working hours and patient records from one hospital district in Finland from years 2013-2019. The data included in total 281,672 inpatient periods. We used mixed-effects survival analyses to predict the overall risk of HAIs, and four types of HAIs: bloodstream, Clostridium difficile, surgical-site and pneumonia. To consider the incubation time, exposure to nurse understaffing and short work experience were measured in preceding days in moving time windows when the patients were in the hospital.

Results
Preliminary results showed that exposure to nurse understaffing within two days, measured as low nursing hours relative to planned hours, was associated with increased risk of HAIs (hazard ratio was 1.23, 95% CI 1.05-1.45). Additional analyses showed that this risk was especially pronounced in surgical-site infections, which were also carefully monitored in the hospital district. We did not find associations between exposure to short work experience among nurses and HAI risk.

Conclusions
This study showed that nurse staffing below planned levels was associated with an increased overall risk of HAIs, particularly surgical-site infections, among patients. Adequate levels of nursing staff in hospitals may be important for preventing HAIs.

Key messages
The role of ‘satellite crash training’ in capacity building for migration health out of Europe
Authors: Szilárd I , Emődy L , Hárdy L , Marek E , Katz Z , Jaksa C , Kiss I 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
In spite of the significant shortage of migration health professionals in and out of Europe, higher education institutions are not really likely to accept WHO repeated calls for developing/ strengthening ‘migrant sensitive’ health care. Following the Syrian crisis in 2015/16, and now in Ukraine, millions of refugees have left their home country.

Objectives
University of Pécs Medical School (UPMS) - based on its broad experience in migration health training -, has developed a ‘crash training’ package, easy to implement in other higher education institututions.

Results
Within the frame of the program of the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs aiming to increase the migration health capacity in the Jordanian Kingdom, UPMS has established a bilateral cooperation with the Jordanian University in Amman and has offered to implement and monitor a seven-day satellite crash training on migration health.
- The program was developed in a form of ‘problem-based learning’, aiming to strengthen the self-activity of the students, while solving the task: how to establish a refugee camp addressing the challenge of high and rapid influx of migrants from the region.
- The necessary theoretical background provided by the expert team was set up around the territories as follows: international guidelines and experiences, epidemiological and public health challenges, the role of cultural competence, mental health aspects including the need for ‘helping the helpers’ as well.

Conclusions
The program included a pre- and post-test component, aiming to monitor the change in knowledge, attitude, and commitment. Detailed results will be introduced during the presentation.

Key messages
Determinants of cigarette and e-cigarette use among youth and young adults-PolNicoYouth study results
Authors: Wężyk-Caba I , Znyk M , Zajdel R , Balwicki L , Tyrańska-Fobke A , Juszczyk G , Świątkowska B , Zajdel K , Kaleta D 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Identifying predictors of e-cigarette use initiation is important for preventing young persons from becoming smokers. Because of the addictiveness, harmful effects but on the other hand attractiveness and fashion for e-cigarettes among young people, teen use of tobacco related products is a significant public health concern. This study evaluated the determinants of susceptibility to e-cigarette use to both e-cigarettes use and traditional cigarettes in secondary school students in Poland. This study examined a sample of Polish youths aged 13-19 (n = 19241) attending 192 schools, 12 on average in each voivodship. Logistic regression and multivariable logistic regression models were used to calculate crude and adjusted odds ratios. The profile of susceptibility to e-cigarettes use among never e-cigarette users included: pocket money available per month (more than 150 PLN) (OR = 1.7; p = 0.001), 16-17 years old (OR = 1.9; p = 0.001), parental tobacco smoking and e-cigarette usage (OR = 2.0; p = 0.01 and OR = 1.7; p = 0.001 respectively), maternal secondary education (OR = 1.1; p = 0.04) and living in big cities &gt;500 thou. inhabitants (OR = 1.4; p = 0.04). E-cigarette susceptible persons among ever users were similar to never cigarette users in their opinion that e-cigarettes use are less harmful than conventional smoking (OR = 1.6; p = 0.0012) and living with both parents smoking cigarettes (OR = 1.3; p = 0.02). Additionally, the determinants were: female gender (OR = 1.5; p = 0.009) in the age group less than 15 years of age (OR = 1.3; p = 0.007). The results revealed that such basic predictors as: parental smoking and opinion of lower harmfulness of e-cigarettes use are the most important determinants of smoking susceptibility among never or ever e-cigarette users. The intervention should be focused on educating the young people and their parents on the addictiveness and harmful effects of e-cigarette use and smoking.

Key messages
Exploring barriers to vaccine delivery in adult migrants: a qualitative study in primary care
Authors: Hargreaves S , Carter J , Mehrotra A , Knights F , Deal A , Crawshaw AF , Wurie F , Ciftci Y , Majeed A 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted shortfalls in the delivery of vaccine programmes to older migrant groups. Guidelines exist, however, little is known around care pathways and engagement of these older cohorts in routine vaccinations in primary care, including catch-up programmes. We explored the views of primary care professionals around barriers and facilitators to catch-up vaccination in adult migrants (defined as foreign born; 18+ years) with incomplete or uncertain vaccination status.

Methods
We did a qualitative interview study with purposive sampling and thematic analysis in UK primary care (50 practices included nationally; 1 hour qualitative interviews) with 64 primary care professionals (PCPs): 48 clinical staff including GPs, Practice Nurses and healthcare assistants (HCAs); 16 administrative staff including practice managers and receptionists (mean age 45 years; 84.4% female; a range of ethnicities).

Results
Participants highlighted direct and indirect barriers to catch-up vaccines in adult migrants who may have missed vaccines as children, missed boosters, and not be aligned with the UK's vaccine schedule, from both a personal and service-delivery level, with themes including: lack of training and knowledge of guidance around catch-up vaccination among staff; unclear or incomplete vaccine records; and lack of incentivization (including financial reimbursement) and dedicated time and care pathways. Adult migrants were reported as being excluded from many vaccination initiatives, most of which focus exclusively on children. PCPs noted that migrants expressed to them a range of views around vaccines, from positivity to uncertainty, to refusal.

Conclusions
Vaccine uptake in adult migrants could be improved through implementing new financial incentives, strengthening care pathways and training, and working directly with local community groups to improve understanding around the benefits of vaccination at all ages.

Key messages
Change in the financial situation of students during COVID-19 and its impact on depressive symptoms
Authors: Negash S , Horn J , Heumann E , Helmer SM , Busse H , Heinrichs K , Pischke CR , Trümmler J , Niephaus J , Mikolajczyk R 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Students faced unique challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic that may have affected their financial situation as well as their mental health. This study sought to examine whether changes in financial situation before and during the COVID-19 pandemic were associated with depressive symptoms among German university students.

Methods
The cross-sectional COVID-19 German Student Well-being Study (C19 GSWS; N = 7,267) was implemented at five German universities between 27.10. and 14.11.2021. Students were asked if they had had sufficient financial resources to cover monthly expenses before the pandemic, as well as during the first and third waves of the pandemic. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the CES-D 8 (score ranges 0-24) and the PHQ-2 (0-6); higher scores indicating more severe depressive symptoms. Linear regression models were used to examine associations between variables.

Results
A worsened financial situation between the first and the third wave of the pandemic was associated with a one point (0.95) increase on the CES-D 8 scale (95% CI: 0.61, 1.29) and an improved financial situation with a decrease by 0.81 points (95% CI: -1.20, -0.42). A worsened financial situation was associated with a 0.26-point increase in PHQ-2 (95% CI: 0.14, 0.37) and an improved financial situation with a -0.12-point decrease (95% CI: -0.25, 0.01). Similarly, worsened financial situation in the third wave compared to prior to the pandemic, was also associated with an increase in CES-D 8 score and PHQ-2 and an improved financial situation with a decrease in CES-D 8 and PHQ-2.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest associations between students’ financial situation during the COVID-19 pandemic and their mental health. Due to their instable financial situation, students are a vulnerable group in need of mental and financial support during pandemic crises.

Key messages
COVID-19 impact on familial relationships and mental health in a representative sample of adults
Authors: Vigezzi GP , Zeduri M , Carioli G , Lugo A , Amerio A , Gorini G , Pacifici R , Politi P , Gallus S , Odone A 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Benefits of the stay-at-home order imposed in Italy to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission need to be weighed against its impact on citizens’ health. In a country with a solid familial culture and where welfare relies on households, confinement drastically decreased support provided by elder relatives, which may have worsened mental health.

Methods
A web-based cross-sectional study (LOST in Italy) was conducted on a representative sample of Italian adults during lockdown (27th of April-3rd of May 2020). We asked 3156 subjects to report on reduced help in housework and childcare from retired parents to assess confinement impact on mental health through validated scales before and during the lockdown.

Results
Overall, 1484 (47.0%) subjects reported reduced housework help from parents, and 769 (64.0%, of the 1202 subjects with children) diminished babysitting support. Subjects reporting reduced housework help had worsened sleep quality (multivariate odds ratio, OR 1.74, 95% confidence interval, CI 1.49-2.03) and quantity (OR 1.50, 95%CI 1.28-1.76), depressive (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.14-1.53) and anxiety symptoms (OR 1.53, 95%CI 1.32-1.78), compared to those reporting unreduced help. Worsening in sleep quality (OR 2.32, 95%CI 1.76-3.05) and quantity (OR 1.80, 95%CI 1.36-2.37), depressive (OR 1.79, 95%CI 1.39-2.31) and anxiety symptoms (OR 1.90, 95%CI 1.48-2.46) was also associated with reduced babysitting help. In subjects with poorer housing and teleworking, mental health outcomes were worse.

Conclusions
Confinement came along with reduced familial support from parents, negatively impacting mental health. Social networks and support within families provided by older relatives act as a resilience factor and a potential vulnerability that affects mental health outcomes. Health and social services response should be designed to address mental health needs and mitigate long-term health costs caused by the pandemic's unprecedented stressfulness and unknown duration.

Key messages