bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Parent-child nature visits and young Finnish childreńs nature connectedness
Authors: Ray C , Kokkonen J , Simonsen N , Wackström N , Ray J , Engberg E 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
It is well-known that frequent nature visits are associated with health benefits in children. Global climate crisis and environmental challenges emphasize the need for reconnecting children to nature, as well. Young children’s nature connectedness (NC) involves enjoyment of nature, sense of responsibility, empathy, and awareness of nature. The study examines whether there is an association between the frequency of parent-child nature visits and young children’s NC.

Methods
The study uses WEB survey data from the Finnish Empowered by Nature project. Respondents, n = 1463, were parents of children aged 2 to 7 years old. NC was assessed by 11-items derived from the NC questionnaire of Sobko et al (2018). Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used and the lowest tertile of NC was used as reference group. Analysis were adjusted for child’s age and gender, and highest education of parent.

Results
Children with moderate (1-2 times a week in previous month) or high (3 times a week or more) frequency of parent-child nature visits were more likely to have strong than weak NC compared to children with low frequency (less than once a week) of adult-child nature visits. Odds ratios (OR) in adjusted models were: moderate frequency 1.67 (1.21- 2.32), and high frequency 2.31 (1.67-3.18). The odds of having medium NC compared to weak NC were more likely in moderate frequency compared to low frequency of parent-child nature visits in the adjusted model (OR 1.46; 1.07-2.00).

Conclusions
The results highlight the importance of parents visiting nature frequently with their children during early childhood. It promotes young children’s NC and may further contribute to raising environmentally responsible children.

Key messages
• More frequent parent-child visits promote young children’s nature connectedness which involves enjoyment of nature, sense of responsibility, empathy, and awareness of nature.
• A strong nature connectedness among children is highly relevant, as it may contribute to raise environmentally responsible children.
Sport federation investment in health promotion: program implementation and viability
Authors: Van Hoye A , Regan C , Lane A , Cullen B , Vuillemin A , Woods C 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Researchers have called for a better recognition of the potential of sports clubs for health promotion (HP), but less is known on the support provided by sports federation. The present study analyses the the implementation of the Gaelic Athletics Association (GAA) Healthy Club Project, to investigate its organization’s viability.

Methods
A single case study was realized, based on observation, document analysis and interviews, to document the viable system model.

Results
Results have identified a three-level structure, where 6 employees at national level support the work of 28 volunteer’s county health and well-being officers and 439 clubs implicated. Strengths of the organization are the identification of a single national referent for clubs or county, the learning process and openness to novelty, as well as the enhanced workforce through county implication as role model. Challenges are the financial and human resources provision, the ability to implicate county and club board and the training in HP of volunteers. Interlevel relationship are supported by the creation of a community of practice and the centralization of the project at national level, but hindered by a clear definition of county tasks. The strengths of the controlling system include a steering committee implicating partners completing each other and the proper use of evaluation to build evidence on the project, where challenges remains in wider collaboration within the GAA.

Conclusions
The present work has underlined key scaling up factors of the HCP implementation to support its viability, which could be learnt from other sports federation implementing HP interventions.

Key messages
• Sports federation have a key role to play to support sports clubs to promote health, by developing specific programs.
• Health Promotion development in sports clubs has similar scaling up implementation factor than other public health interventions.
Impact of a multidisciplinary intervention on Mediterranean diet adherence and cardiovascular health
Authors: Marziali E , De Marco S , Nachira L , Arcaro P , D'Ambrosio F , Villani L , Galasso V , Laurenti P , Bruno S 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Cardiovascular diseases represent a significant public health issue, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles plays a major role in their prevention. Good adherence to the Mediterranean diet has a protective effect on cardiovascular health and may reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Our prospective study aimed to evaluate the impact of educational lifestyle interventions on cardiovascular risk parameters and the improvement in adherence to the Mediterranean diet of the involved population.

Methods
Participants have been recruited by General Practitioners in Torresina neighborhood in Rome. From December 2018 to June 2020, 41 patients were involved in nutritional, psychological, and physical activity meetings by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals. In particular, a nutritionist provided information to patients on balanced nutrition, considering the Mediterranean diet as a dietary model. Information on lifestyle, dietary habits and physical activity, anthropometric data and laboratory measurements were collected at baseline and after 12 months. The variations of the evaluated parameters were analyzed by paired t-test e Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results
The analysis showed statistically significant decreases in weight (p = 0.03) and BMI (p = 0.02), as well as in systolic (p &lt; 0.001) and diastolic (p = 0.001) blood pressure and in total (p = 0.02) and LDL (p = 0.01) cholesterol level. Results also showed an improvement in the adherence to the Mediterranean diet (p = 0.001): the frequency of consumption of fruits and vegetables, legumes, cereals and fish has increased significantly, while the consumption of meat, milk and dairy products and alcohol decreased.

Conclusions
This study highlights that a multidisciplinary educational program can be effective in improving healthy habits and in reducing cardiovascular risk factors, supporting its implementation in primary prevention at the community level.

Key messages
• Promoting healthy lifestyle through primary prevention and health promotion actions is critical to reduce the onset of cardiovascular diseases.
• A population-based multidisciplinary educational intervention may be effective in improving adherence to a healthy, balanced diet and decreasing cardiovascular risk factors.
Awareness of Female Genital Schistosomiasis: A cross-sectional survey in rural Madagascar
Authors: Rausche P , Rakotozandrindrainy R , Rasamoelina T , Rakotomalala RS , Kutz JM , Lorenz E , May J , Rakotoarivelo RA , Puradiredja DI , Fusco D 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Infections with S. haematobium are endemic in tropical regions and emerging in some European countries. Prolonged chronic infection with S. haematobium can cause Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS), which can lead to serious gynecological conditions, including infertility. However, awareness of FGS is limited, as are adequate guidelines and public health strategies to manage the disease. The aim of this study is to determine the levels and quality of FGS awareness among women and healthcare workers (HCW) in the Boeny region of Madagascar, where the disease is endemic.

Methods
Data collection involved a cross-sectional survey of adult women (n = 694) and HCWs (n = 93) on topics, such as respondents’ sociodemographic background characteristics, FGS awareness, and risk perceptions. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics including proportions and 95% confidence intervals.

Results
Of the 694 women included in the study, 11.2% (CI [9.0-13.8%]) had heard of FGS. Among these, 34.6% (CI [24.1-46.2%]) were unaware of the gynecological symptoms signature for FGS, and 41% (CI [30.0-52.7%]) were unaware of the urological symptoms of the disease. Out of the 93 HCW surveyed, 53.2% (CI [42.6-63.6%]) had heard of FGS. Among these, 42.0% (CI [28.1-56.8%]) were unaware of the gynecological symptoms, and 52.0% (CI [37.4-66.3%]) were unaware of the urological symptoms.

Conclusions
Preliminary results show overall low levels of FGS awareness among the study population. While more women reported to have never heard of FGS than HCW, the proportion of HCWs who did not know the gynecological and urological symptoms of FGS was higher. Given the occurrence of FGS in Europe and the chronic character of the disease it would be crucial to conduct similar investigations in Europe. Such findings can contribute to the design of targeted local and global FGS awareness campaigns to improve the health of women affected by this disease worldwide.

Key messages
• Awareness of FGS among the study population in Madagascar, an endemic country, is low.
• Lack of awareness can delay the identification of the disease and increase individual and community burden.
The role of health literacy in vaccination behaviours: a systematic review
Authors: Siena LM , Isonne C , Sciurti A , De Blasiis MR , Migliara G , Marzuillo C , De Vito C , Villari P , Baccolini V 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Health literacy (HL) is recognized as a driver of health-promoting behaviors, including preventive actions. However the influence of HL on vaccines uptake remains unclear. This study aimed at summarize the evidence on the role of HL in vaccination behaviors.

Methods
PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched. Observational studies of any design conducted worldwide, published through June 2021 and investigated the association between HL and vaccination intention or status using HL validated tools were included. Any vaccine was considered. An adapted Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess quality.

Results
Twenty-one articles were included, 6 investigated intention to vaccinate and 15 explored vaccination status. Studies of the first group had a cross-sectional design, considered anti-COVID-19 vaccination and were judged of high or fair quality. Population investigated was heterogeneous as well as the tool used to assess HL. Five analysis provided adjusted estimates. HL seemed not influence the vaccination intention in 3 studies whereas adequate HL was associated with positive attitude to get vaccinated in the remained 3 ones. The majority of articles assessed vaccine status, had a cross sectional design (N = 11) and were of high quality (N = 8). The HL tool more frequently used was TOFHLA (N = 5), sample investigated was heterogeneous included parents of children who received vaccinations (N = 5). Four articles considered multiple vaccinations, thus providing a total of 19 analysis. Vaccine against influenza was the most investigated (N = 11) and 15 studies provided adjusted estimates. No association was found between HL and the receipt of vaccination in 11 analysis, whereas HL levels significantly influenced vaccination uptake in 8 studies.

Conclusions
Health literacy did not seem to strongly influence people decision on vaccinations. Difference in population and vaccines considered, but also in tool used to measure HL might explain the heterogeneity of the results.

Key messages
• The impact of HL on vaccination behaviours remains controversial.
• Efforts to extend the studies on targeted populations applying a comprehensive HL measurement tool should be devised.
Longitudinal relationships between youth assets, seat belt use while driving, and the environment
Authors: Tolma E , Vesely S , Oman R , Boeckman L , Aspy C 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Positive youth development theory can provide an alternative approach to promote Seat Belt Use while Driving in a Car (SBUDC) among youth. The study aims to explore the relationship between youth assets, and the neighborhood environment in predicting SBUDC.

Methods
The Youth Asset Study (YAS) is a 4-year (5 waves) longitudinal study of a random sample of 1,111 youth (12-17 years old) and their parents, taking place in a Midwestern city, USA from 2003-2008. Seventeen youth assets were developed. The environment was measured objectively via the broken windows survey and subjectively via parents’ interviews. Assets and environmental factors at Waves 1-4 were predicted SBUDC at Waves 4-5 while controlling for demographics. Data were analyzed via marginal logistic regression and generalized estimated equations analyses.

Results
The sample consisted of 1001 youth: 53% female; mean age=14.36 (SD = 1.59); 50% with income &lt;$35,000; and 69% two-parent families. The proportion of youth not wearing a seat belt while driving increased from wave 4 to 5 only among African American youth. Individually, most assets had a positive relationship with SBUDC (ORs ranged from 1.3 to 2.7), with general aspirations for the future, educational aspirations for the future and positive peer role models having the largest ORs [2.7, 95% CI (1.7, 4.3); 2.2, 95% CI (1.5, 2.0); 1.9, 95% CI (1.5,2.4)] respectively. Youth with a higher (≥ 12) number of assets were almost twice as likely to use a seat belt while driving than those with a lower (&lt;12) number [OR = 1.8, 95% CI (1.4, 2.3)]. Only one environmental factor had a significant effect on SBUDC [(OR = 1.32, 95% CI (1.01, 1.72)]. Assets retained their impact on SBUDC, controlling for the environmental and demographic factors.

Conclusions
Youth assets can be a promising approach to promote SBUDC among teens with emphasis on promoting general aspirations for the future, educational aspirations, and positive peer role modeling.

Key messages
• Building youth assets can be another mechanism to promote seat belt use while driving among youth.
• The neighborhood environment might not be as important as other factors are in the promotion of seat belt use while driving.
Promoting migrant HL, good practice in adult education and lessons learned for other interventions
Authors: Harsch S 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Problem
Migration is a global phenomenon, and migrants face myriad challenges, e.g., building context-specific health literacy (HL). To sustainably promote HL, translations, interpreters, or programs in other languages are insufficient. Courses that promote HL holistically are needed, e.g., second language courses. In the SCURA research project, part of the HLCA Consortium, we ethnographically studied language courses and developed interventions. The insights gained are relevant not only for courses promoting HL of migrants or in Germany but also for other target groups and countries.

Description
Based on extensive ethnographic research, we participatory created interventions to promote HL. As language courses promote HL to varying degrees but are severely limited by the rigid conditions and support, we identified strategies to improve HL therein and ensure uptake and sustainability: add-in, pimp-up, dive deeper. The multimodal intervention consists of an extensive collection of teaching ideas, materials to prepare and reflect on sessions, and a 6-part teacher training (in-house, online, and self-study course, based on adult learning principles). The 90-minutes sessions address Health in Language Courses, Health and Me, Using materials, Critically Analyzing Materials and Developing Empowering Activities, Promoting Family HL, and Mental HL. A hands-on tool was developed to help teachers intentionally promote the seven components of HL.

Results
The preliminary results of the ongoing evaluation showed that the flexibly adaptable and applicable offerings, the online workshop, and self-study courses, were well received. The teachers liked the choice of topics and the combination of short inputs and many recommendations for practice.

Lessons
The project’s success relies on knowing the context and setting, considering the needs of all stakeholders, and developing offerings that are a relief but not an additional burden, and that can be easily integrated into the program.

Key messages
• A thorough ethnographic understanding of the course is key to developing interventions that will be perceived to be appropriate and relevant.
• HL promotion should integrate teachers’ HL, informal occasions on health information exchange, diverse and multilingual ways to engage with health information and a systematic, deliberate development.
Health literacy and its association with health outcomes among students in upper secondary education
Authors: Paasio H , Roos E , Kokko S , Simonsen N 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Health literacy (HL) - as a broad range of health-related competencies and skills- has been recognized as a determinant of health outcomes, and suggested to be a modifiable health resource and a factor contributing to empowerment and equity. Thus, there is a need to identify the state of HL in various population groups. The aim of this study was to investigate HL levels and associations between HL, physical activity and subjective health among students in general upper secondary and vocational Swedish-language schools in Finland.

Methods
The study used cross-sectional data from the Finnish LIITU-study among students in Swedish-speaking general upper secondary and vocational schools (N = 887; age 16-20 years) conducted in the spring and autumn 2020, during the covid-19-pandemic. Students answered a web-based questionnaire during school hours. HL was measured with the 10-item Health Literacy for School-Aged Children (HLSAC) instrument. Data was analyzed with descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses.

Results
According to preliminary findings, one third of students had high HL. HL was higher among female than male students, general upper secondary school students than vocational school students, and in spring than in autumn 2020. A higher proportion of students with high HL, as compared to students with low/medium HL, reached the national recommendations for physical activity, perceived their health to be excellent and, moreover, did not have recurrent psychological symptoms.

Conclusions
The findings confirm previous research findings on the importance of HL in promoting health outcomes. The pandemic year 2020 provided a unique perspective to the subject. It would be important to survey and discuss the role of schools in providing equal opportunities for the promotion of HL as this may contribute to decreasing health disparities in the population.

Key messages
• One third of students in upper secondary education (age 16-20 years) had high HL; there were differences between genders, students on different educational paths, and in spring and autumn 2020.
• High HL was associated with better self-rated health, less psychological symptoms and reaching national recommendations for physical activity among students in upper secondary education.
Do religious people in Western Balkans have faith in COVID-19 vaccines?
Authors: Cvjetkovic S , Jeremic Stojkovic V , Jankovic J , Mandic-Rajcevic S 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Recently, it was established that more religious people tend to have less favorable views of vaccination. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the religiousness and attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination and disease, in five Western Balkans countries.

Methods
Using online questionnaire and convenience sampling procedure, data were obtained from 1605 respondents aged 18-75 years. Perceived COVID-19 vaccine safety and efficacy, and observed danger and susceptibility to disease were assessed by short five-point Likert scales. Religiousness was estimated using single item scale. Multivariate regression analysis was employed.

Results
In Serbia, respondents who assessed themselves as more religious considered vaccine against COVID-19 as less safe (β=-.10, p&lt;.01) and effective (β=-.12, p&lt;.01), were more prone to the attitude that dangers of COVID-19 are not that serious (β=-.09, p&lt;.01), and believed to a greater extent that they are less susceptible to the virus (β=-.07, p&lt;.01). Similarly, in Bosnia and Herzegovina more religious individuals were less convinced that vaccine is effective (β=-.07, p&lt;.05), less inclined to believe that danger of the virus is serious (β=-.07, p&lt;.05), and assessed their susceptibility as lower (β=-.06, p&lt;.05). More religious people in Montenegro (β=-.06, p&lt;.05) regarded the vaccine as less safe, while in North Macedonia (β=.06, p&lt;.05) and Albania (β=.08, p&lt;.01) stronger religiosity was associated with more favorable attitudes towards vaccine safety.

Conclusions
The relationship between religiosity and attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination and disease is culturally conditioned. While in some Western Balkans societies religious beliefs render individual with a sense of lack of control triggering worry and anxiety, in some others they work as psychological shield against existential threats.

Key messages
• Religiosity should be considered as a relevant factor in vaccination campaigns implementation.
• In the societies where negative attitudes towards vaccination prevail among the believers, religious leaders should be peculiarly educated and encouraged to participate in vaccination campaigns.
Health Literacy, Covid-19 and risk perception: a cross-sectional survey in Prato in the 2nd wave
Authors: Velpini B , Stancanelli E , Stacchini L , Bruschi M , Lastrucci V , Puggelli F , Berti R , Lorini C , Bonaccorsi G 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

During the Covid-19 pandemic, individual and collective public health measures were undertaken to control the spread of the virus. Their effectiveness relies on people’s abilities to understand and adopt the correct behaviors. This study aims to evaluate the role of Health Literacy (HL) in influencing the adherence to Covid-19 preventive measures and risk perception of a sample of workers employed in various activities involving close contact with the population in the province of Prato (Tuscany, Italy) in the second pandemic wave (November-December 2020). A cross-sectional survey was conducted on a sample of public workers (e.g., teachers, educators, assistants/aides, other health personnel). Data on knowledge, attitudes and practices towards (KAP) Covid-19 preventive measures and risk perception were collected. HL was measured with the HLS-EU-Q6 tool. Spearman correlation analysis was used to assess the correlation between HL and KAP and Covid-19 risk perception. Multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate the role of HL in predicting KAP and Covid-19 risk perception, adjusted for sex, age, comorbidity, educational level, country of birth. A total of 402 people participated in this study; 47.8% had a problematic HL level. The HL level was correlated with KAP and practices towards Covid-19 prevention measures; no significant associations were found with Covid-19 risk perception. In multivariate models, HL significantly and positively predicted a higher level of knowledge of Covid-19 preventive measures (B = 0.413 for problematic HL; B = 0.542 for sufficient HL). Confirming a previous study conducted in Prato in the first pandemic wave, HL did not predict adherence to Covid-19 infection control measures, probably due to fear of the disease and attention towards prevention behaviors being still higher in the second pandemic wave.

Key messages
• HL skills are linked to understanding of public health measures.
• HL skills should be improved to favor the adherence to correct behaviors.