bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Geographic variation in COVID-19 hospital admissions in France: a population-based study
Authors: Mercier G , Georgescu V , Baehr C , Riedel C 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
The impact of various environmental, socio-economic, and epidemiological factors on COVID-19 transmission and severity is well-known. However, there is little evidence about the respective role of these factors at the population-level at a national scale. The objective was to identify the environmental and contextual factors that influenced the spread and the severity of COVID-19 at the French department level during the first national lockdown. We performed a national, population-based, retrospective analysis. The cumulative rate of patients admitted for COVID-19 to any public or private acute care hospital from March 31st, 2020 to May 25, 2020 was modelled at the ‘departement’ (hereafter county) level. We used spatial regression models to quantify the aggregated effect of population health status, air pollution, meteorological, and socioeconomic factors. 57,356 patients were admitted to an acute care facility for COVID-19 over the period of interest. At the county level, the age and sex-standardized rate of admission ranged from 0.07 to 3.24 admissions per 1,000 people. After adjustment on the pre-lockdown COVID-19 hospital admission rate, the standardized cumulative rate hospital admission for COVID-19 during the period of interest was significantly and positively associated with the prevalence of diabetes, with the prevalence of mental conditions, and with high cumulative exposure to atmospheric ozone values. It was significantly and negatively associated with high cumulative exposure to ultraviolet radiation. These results suggest that several population-based epidemiological and meteorological factors could have played a role in COVID-19 spread in France. They provide potentially useful insights to design and implement geographically differentiated public health policies.
The path to evidence-based guidelines for food insecurity during pregnancy
Authors: McKay F , van der Pligt P , Zinga J , Lindberg R , Dickson A 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Food insecurity has negative health implications during and after pregnancy, however, identifying and then assisting women who are food insecure is complex. Successful screening programs are often embedded in practice guidelines that include referral and treatment guidance. Screening for food insecurity is vital to address food insecurity, however, it is not present in Australia, nor are there any guidelines for healthcare settings. This presentation will describe the steps taken to gather evidence to inform the development of practice guidelines.

Methods
The creation of practice guidelines for screening and responding to the needs of food insecure pregnant women was informed by 1) qualitative interviews with food insecure pregnant women, and 2) qualitative interviews with clinicians about their experiences of assisting hungry and food insecure pregnant women, 3) quantitative research with a cross-section of pregnant women about their experiences managing their food supply, 4) a systematic review describing the existing interventions addressing food insecurity during pregnancy, and 5) a modified Delphi to gather the opinions of experts on the best ways to address food insecurity in pregnancy.

Results
This work highlight the potential effectiveness of a food insecurity screening tool in the antenatal setting, the readiness of clinicians to respond to this need, the breadth and depth of current interventions to address food insecurity, and the opinions of experts on how this issue needs to be addressed. The combined impact of these 5 studies is the identification of a number of responces to food insecurity and hunger during pregnancy.

Conclusions
Given the lack of screening, standard care, and treatment of food insecurity in a clinical setting in Australia, it is essentail that guidelines are created that standardise patient care and control costs through efficient use of health care resources.

Key messages
• Food insecurity during pregnancy has significant implications for both mother and baby.
• Creating supportive evidence-based mechanisms to address food insecurity will lead to positive outcomes.
Bridging Epidemiological Data with Features of the Urban Context: An experience of Urban Public Health within the City of Milan, Italy
Authors: Rebecchi A , Johnson AA , Brambilla A , Buffoli M , Russo AG , Capolongo S 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Referring to the Research Project “Enhancing Healthcare and Well-Being Through the Potential of Big Data: An Integration of Survey, Administrative, and Open Data to Assess Health Risk in the City of Milan with Data Science” the Authors present preliminary results regarding a survey distributed to a sample of citizens across all neighborhoods of Milano city. This survey sought to collect data regarding health risk factors of this population, including both individual (e.g. socio-demographic characteristics, behaviors, etc.) and community (e.g. environmental/morphological features, available social services, etc.) data. A digital survey was designed to collect information on the health conditions, risk factors, and lifestyle characteristics of a representative sample of the Milanese population at the neighborhood level, with reference to the census tracts and Local Identity Units (NIL). Collected survey data are entered into a system containing corresponding individual health information acquired from the Local Health Authority databases, creating a synthesized information profile with each respondent's state of health, including existing conditions, health services used, and drug therapies. The disseminated survey was developed from comparisons with similar experiences at the national/international level and divided into 60 multiple choice questions (6 for Sociodemographic profile; 8 for Context of residence; 12 for Functional limitations; 25 for Behaviors and lifestyles; 9 for Access to health services). The data from urban analysis conducted on the NIL of the City of Milan are assessed with particular reference to the theme of bicycle-pedestrian accessibility (Walkability) in the urban context and repercussions on the adoption of Healthy Lifestyles. The models developed through this research are expected to provide critical insight for designing health promotion, health protection, and disease prevention interventions aimed both at individual and community level.
Foreign-born people and covid-19 in Sweden - the effect of co-morbidity
Authors: Akhavavn S 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Foreign-born people who live in Sweden, especially those who were born in low- and middle-income countries, were at higher risk of developing severe covid-19. It has previously been found that morbidity and mortality in covid-19 were associated with country of birth, level of education, income and type of housing. The aim of this study was to map differences between foreign and Swedish-born (18 years and older) with severe covid-19 regarding co-morbidity. This was a register -base study. Register data were gathered from the Patient Register, the Swedish Intensive Care Register, the Cause of Death Register and information on socio-economic variables from Statistics Sweden. Results shows that co-morbidity with severe covid-19 was generally higher for Swedish-born than foreign-born. On the other hand, co-morbidity with diabe-tes and obesity was slightly higher for foreign-born than for Swedish-born. The results also indicate that a higher risk of developing severe covid-19 remains despite the fact that we have controlled a number of factors that affect the relationships such as residential region, demography and socioeconomics. The conclusion of this study is that there is a need for strengthening public health surveillance systems for information such as diagnoses from primary care, the stage at which a person who has become infected has sought care, how the possible differences were in care seekers between foreign and Swedish-born and what the care chain looked like from the time the patient received first symptoms until she/he ended up in inpatient or intensive care.

Key messages
• Co-morbidity with severe covid-19 was generally higher for Swedish-born than foreign-born.
• There is a need for strengthening public health surveillance systems in primary health care for explaining the reasons of higher risk of developing severe covid-19 among foreign-born people in Sweden.
Inclusive governance: Enhance health literacy to reduce vaccine hesitancy
Authors: Bjegovic-Mikanovic V 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic placed a call for action worldwide. Based on scientific investigation, governments need to assess strategic priorities. Health system capacity constraints and failures in response to the pandemic have social, medical, productivity, and economic implications. It compounds health equity issues and confronts with excess mortality, higher chronic disease prevalence, and risk factors. Despite initial progress in vaccination against COVID-19 and attempts to speed up vaccination, the Western Balkan lags behind. Infodemic and low trust in institutions are among the main factors associated with low success and adverse effects on other vaccination programs. This presentation aims to shed light on the importance of health literacy in resilient communities supported by inclusive governance.

Methods
A narrative review based on literature on inclusive governance, health literacy, and resilient communities during COVID-19 and other emergencies. Primary sources are databases, scientific articles, Health System Response Monitor, and observations by ECDC and OECD.

Results
Results show that characteristics of resilient communities in possessing knowledge and ability to assess risk, manage an emergency, monitor change, and address threats stand out. Many studies highlight the interconnectedness of community members with the wider external environment and their participation in decision-making to improve health services. Examples include interventions for developing future vaccination programs in program planning, conducting sound evaluations, transferring results to those who need to know, and receiving feedback. The key to this success is enhancing digital and health literacy.

Conclusions
COVID-19 requires cross-sectional strategies to reinforce collaborative gains and build resilient communities, ready to apply population strategies for prevention. Inclusive governance and a bottom-up approach will be essential to optimize the response to future challenges.
School-based sexuality Education in Europe and Central Asia
Authors: Marquardt J 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Introduction
In 2016, the BZgA and the European Network of the International Planned Parenthood Federation initiated an extensive survey regarding the development and current status of sexuality education (SE) in Europe and Central Asia, which included 25 selected countries of the European WHO Region. Since 2000, remarkable progress has been made in the region in developing and integrating SE curricula in school settings. The majority of the surveyed countries teach basic elements of SE in schools. Yet, in about half of the countries, there is still some reticence in understanding the benefits of SE for the health and well-being of young people. In countries with fully developed comprehensive SE programmes, the school is the main source of information on sexuality for young people. In the other countries young people tend to rely on information from friends or peers and the internet. The findings also showed a gap in teacher training on sexuality education.

Methods
The Survey included a detailed questionnaire, among member associations of IPPF EN and government agencies responsible for SE. A random sample was drawn from the 50 states of the region which is considered representative for the entire region. All 25 IPPF EN members and 16 of the 25 government agencies responded.

Results and discussion
Remarkable progress has been made in developing and integrating SE in formal school curricula. In 11 of the 21 countries, SE is a mandatory teaching subject, and in six additional countries it is partly mandatory. In four additional countries it is optional. Despite the progress, there are still shortcomings and gaps in providing the full spectrum of SE.

Conclusions
If provided, SE tends to focus primarily on the biological aspects and prevention of HIV/STIs and unwanted pregnancy. There is a need to broaden the spectrum of topics that are addressed to include gender equality, sexuality, violence and sexual abuse, human rights and empowerment.
Establishing Covid-19 Research in UK Care Homes – Infrastructure Challenges for Trial Design
Authors: Leighton P , Sprange K , Robinson K , Rick C 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
The Covid-19 pandemic brought into sharp relief the role that long-term care facilities play in health and social care of an aging population. It also cast a spotlight upon the need for high-quality research to assess the effectiveness of any care home interventions. The Prophylactic Therapies in Care Homes (PROTECT-CH) trial was one such study (funded by the UK National Institute for Health and Care Research). PROTECT-CH was designed to collect data in 200 care homes (approximately 6,400 residents), and whilst the changing epidemiology of Covid-19 in the UK (due to vaccination take-up) made this unfeasible other insights were gained about establishing large-scale research in care homes.

Methods
An iterative process evaluation of the set-up phase of a large, platform trial testing prophylactic measures in long-term care facilities. Including a documentary review of the PROTECT-CH working groups and an online survey of working group members.

Results
Documents were reviewed from 24 working groups, which in a hub and spoke model represented the PROTECT-CH trial infrastructure; representative of 20 of these groups completed an online survey about their organisation and working. Data demonstrated the number and organisation of individuals required to set up a large-scale care-home trial - 91 individuals representing a mix of academic, clinical, and methodological contributions from 25 organisations. Data demonstrated working groups specific to care home research, and activities designed to address the specific challenges of researching in care homes. PROTECT-CH produced dedicated training materials and reporting templates for care home research. PROTECT-CH established novel mechanisms for prescribing and clinical oversight in care home research.

Conclusions
PROTECT-CH has highlighted the complexity of establishing large, scale RCT research in long-term care facilities. It has produced resources which might be of use in subsequent care home research.

Key messages
• Infrastructure is required to support high quality research in long-term care facilities.
• RCTs in long-term care facilities pose specific challenged to researchers.
Diffusion of smoke-free policies at outdoor sports clubs in the Netherlands
Authors: Garritsen HH , Kunst AE 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Although outdoor smoke-free policies (SFPs) at sports clubs represent an important new area of tobacco control, the majority of sports clubs are not smoke-free. This study aims to assess diffusion patterns of outdoor SFPs at sports clubs in the Netherlands, which may inform national strategies aimed at making all outdoor sports clubs smoke-free.

Methods
Using a retrospective, registry-based design, an inventory was made of football, field hockey, tennis, and korfball clubs that became smoke-free between 2016-2020. We determined the type of sports, number of members, and proportion of youth members. The degree of urbanization and density of smoke-free sports clubs were measured at the municipality level. The association between sports clubs’ characteristics, degree of urbanization, and SFP adoption was analysed using multilevel regression analysis. Horizontal diffusion was tested by analysing the association between the density and annual incidence of smoke-free sports clubs.

Results
Since 2016, the number of sports clubs with an outdoor SFP increased from 0.3% to 26.4%. Field hockey [OR compared to football 6.00 95% CI 4.46-8.07] and korfball clubs [OR 6.65 95% CI 4.98-8.87] and clubs with many (youth) members [OR 8.75 95% CI 6.20-2.35] were more likely to be smoke-free. SFPs spread from the most urbanized to less urbanized municipalities, which could mostly be attributed to sports clubs’ characteristics. A higher density of smoke-free sports clubs within municipalities was associated with an increased incidence of new SFPs in the following year.

Conclusions
Outdoor SFPs at sports clubs in the Netherlands diffused across horizontal and hierarchical lines. National strategies for smoke-free sports should monitor clubs that are more likely to stay behind, such as football and tennis clubs, smaller clubs, and clubs in less urbanized areas.
Implementing a smoking cessation training for lower socioeconomic groups into local policy in Amsterdam, the Netherlands: Identifying preconditions and barriers among multiple stakeholder groups
Authors: Harting J , Kuipers MAG 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Socioeconomic inequalities in smoking prevalence are high, partly because smoking cessation programs are insufficiently accessible and suitable for smokers with a lower socioeconomic position (SEP). To make it easier for this target group to access suitable smoking cessation programs, it is necessary to structurally implement such programs into local policies. The study aims to identify preconditions and barriers for the implementation of smoking cessation programs for people with low SEP from the perspective of key stakeholders.

Methods
The Feel Free! Smoking cessation rolling group training has been previously developed for people from lower socio-economic groups and was implemented in Amsterdam Noord. Semi-structured interviews were held with 25 stakeholders consisting of participants, trainers, professionals in the neighbourhood and stakeholders of the municipality. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using a thematic approach. The Implementation Framework of Fleuren will be used to structure the presentation.

Results
The main preconditions found are effective recruitment of participants by local professionals, having a central coordinator for implementation within the neighbourhood network, and offering a smoking cessation program with a clear added value for participants. The main barriers found are challenges in setting up a sustainable financial structure, allocation of organizational tasks, and high participant absences and dropout. More results will be presented in detail.

Conclusions
This study shows that action is required from various stakeholders to facilitate the implementation process. These findings can inform policy makers and implementers to choose strategies to implement suitable smoking cessation programs into local policy.
The prevention indicator system of the German Federal States – a tool to monitor prevention policies
Authors: Finger JD , Oberwoehrmann S , Zeiher J , Haftenberger M , Hermann S 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

In 2015 the German Prevention Act was implemented. The National Prevention Conference published the first National Prevention Report in 2019 to evaluate the health promotion activities. The second National Prevention Report is planned for 2023. Development of a harmonized prevention reporting system for the German Federal States is needed to form the basis for the contribution of the Federal States to the next National Prevention Report. A working group mandated from the sub-national health authorities has developed a harmonized prevention reporting system for the German Federal States since 2018. The Robert Koch Institute collaborated as representative of the national level during the process. Subject areas for indicators were selected based on a survey in which all 16 State Ministries of Health participated. Indicator subgroups developed indicators for each subject area based on predefined indicator selection criteria. Final set of indicators was adopted by indicator rating and majority voting process. The German Health Ministers Conference acknowledged the indicator system in June 2021. The conceptual framework is adapted from the health determinants model of Dahlgren and Whitehead. The indicator system is divided into 14 subject areas categorized into upstream, midstream and downstream level of prevention indicators. Seventy-three prevention indicators were included as a whole. The indicator short list consists of 32 Core indicators. An overview of the prevention indicator system will be given. First results of a pilot data collection will be shown. Health promotion and prevention reporting tools are needed to monitor prevention policies and evaluate health promotion measures. The prevention indicator system of the German Federal States will be used for the National Prevention Strategy in Germany of which one component is the next National Prevention Report 2023.

Key messages
• The prevention indicator system of the German Federal States is a useful tool to monitor prevention policies.
• The indicator system will form the basis for the German Federal States’ contribution to the National Prevention Report 2023.
Monitoring the burden of disease in Scotland and the contribution of risk factors
Authors: Fletcher E , Grant I 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
The Scottish Burden of Disease (SBoD) Study monitors the contribution of over 100 diseases and injuries to the population health in Scotland, in the context of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Providing robust estimates of burden is the first step in identifying areas of prevention which could have the biggest impact on health; including identification of modifiable risk factors and changes in the underlying risk factor prevalence. Our aim was to estimate DALYs for 2019, to describe the current burden in Scotland and as a baseline for future burden scenarios.

Methods
The SBoD 2016 study estimated the burden using routine data and patient-level record linkage. For this update, years lived with disability were estimated using 2016 age-sex-deprivation specific rates, assuming no change in disease prevalence from 2016, but taking account of changes to the population structure. Years of life lost were calculated from 2019 observed deaths and the application of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) aspirational life table. Population attributable fractions (PAFs) were sourced from the GBD 2019 and risk factor prevalence from the Scottish Health Survey.

Results
In 2019 the leading causes of burden were ischaemic heart disease (IHD), Alzheimer's/other dementias, lung cancer, drug-use disorders and cerebrovascular disease, representing over a quarter (27%) of the total DALYs in Scotland. Application of PAFs shows that a proportion of the burden for each of these causes can be attributed to modifiable risk factors.

Conclusions
IHD continues to be the leading cause of health burden in Scotland in 2019. However recent years show an increase in burden of social causes and diseases affecting the ageing population. Application of PAFs demonstrate the importance of continuing to monitor both the burden of disease in Scotland and the prevalence of risk factors, to provide robust evidence for planning of local and national services.

Key messages
• The Scottish Burden of Disease continues to monitor the population health landscape of Scotland.
• Ischaemic heart disease continues to be the leading cause of burden in Scotland.