bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Parental perception about the pandemic impact on mental health of children: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Pinto S , Lo Moro G , Bert F , Rolfini E , Scaioli G , Siliquini R 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
The pandemic may increase mental issues among children. This study aimed to explore parental perceptions on the pandemic impact on the health status of their children, with a focus on mental health.

Methods
An online nationwide cross-sectional study has been conducted amongst Italian parents (from April 2022-ongoing). The survey included: Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Kessler-6 (K6) for parent's psychological distress, and pandemic-related items. The outcomes were: child's SDQ above the clinical cut-off and perceived child's worsening of sleep, appetite, physical and mental health during the pandemic. Multivariable regressions were run (p &lt; 0.05 as significant).

Results
Up to date, participants were 333 (88% female). Mean age was 40.7 years (SD = 6.7). Considering their children, 52.9% were female and mean age was 6.62 (SD = 4.3). A total of 12.6% of children passed the SDQ cut-off. Having parents who are healthcare workers (adjOR=4.1), having parents positive for K6 (adjOR=4.0) and having a poor economic situation (adjOR=3.9) were significantly associated with a higher probability of passing the cut-off. Considering the pandemic, 15.4% declared their child had worse sleep, 12.2% lower appetite, 6.6% more physical issues, and 22.9% more mental issues. Using electronic devices more than before the pandemic was significantly associated with worsening of sleep (adjOR=2.9) and appetite (adjOR=6.9). Having parents who are healthcare workers was significantly associated with worsening of sleep (adjOR=2.3) and mental health (adjOR=2.4). Having parents positive for K6 was significantly associated with worsening of mental health (adjOR=5.3).

Conclusions
This study suggested a perceived substantial worsening of children's health, especially considering mental health. Exploring how parents recognize their children's health and how the COVID-19 has changed daily habits should be considered as a public health priority in Europe.

Key messages
Community Perceptions of Facilitators and Barriers to Post Natal Care access in Rural Laos
Authors: Mayangitan JC , Poudel B , Gulliver H , Stephenson C 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
The quality of Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health (MNCH) services delivered varies widely in Lao People Democratic Republic. Swiss Red Cross (SRC) provides support to the country to improve the quality of reproductive health services, enhance access, and positively change health behavior through the MNCH2 project. This implementation research was then undertaken aiming to identify factors affecting decision-making of women relative to accessing postnatal care (PNC) and explore opportunities for improving SRC programming.

Methods
From August 2020 to January 2021, 33 in-depth interviews and 6 focus group discussion (FGD) with 54 women were conducted. Women who had given birth in the last six months were purposively selected from several ethnic groups residing in Chomphet and Phonexay Districts in Luang Prabang province. Socio-cultural and behavioral factors affecting women's decision to access PNC were assessed during the interviews and FGD. Additional perceptions were gathered though interviews with the partners, health service providers, village heads, and external project stakeholders.

Results
Traditional practices such as smoking ritual, strict practice of keeping the baby in the house within the first three days, and the treatment and disposal of placenta were identified as the main barrier for women to access PNC. Perceived importance of these traditional practices, however, are affected by family hierarchy especially with older family members insisting on its practice. Economic, road conditions, and transport challenges were also identified as significant barriers.

Conclusions
Traditional practices and family hierarchy, together with physical and economic access limit women's capacity to engage with facility-based postnatal care. Thus, quality outreach with home visits are critical. Gender inclusive health education given not only to pregnant women but to all family members was also identified as critical and is recommended to improve PNC access.

Key messages
Health professionals’ communication and Italian pregnant women’s attitudes to the Covid-19 vaccine
Authors: Fiammenghi C , Mbaye NA , Pelleri D , Gelatti U , Covolo L 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Pregnancy is a risk condition for hospitalization and severe illness from Covid-19, with an increased risk of maternal mortality and serious neonatal complications. The study examines Italian pregnant women's attitudes about the Covid-19 vaccine, the role of healthcare professionals’ (HP) communication, the reasons and potential predictors for non-adherence to vaccination.

Methods
An online survey was developed by LimeSurvey software and spread through social media between August 2021 and January 2022 to pregnant women of age living in Italy. Participants were asked to indicate their sources of information and to rate the support received from their HP; their health literacy (HL) was assessed using the HLS-EU-Q6 tool. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed. Open-ended questions were analysed using MaxQDA 2022.

Results
1594 total survey responses were obtained (median age 31.5±4.94); 48% of the participants had a university degree. Only 17% of women had sufficient HL. Most (52%) of them refused to be vaccinated against Covid-19 while pregnant, 27% were unsure and 26% disagreed about the safety of the vaccine during pregnancy. Most of them did not deem the information received by HP complete (56%), clear (52%), and reliable (46%); 49% of them did not feel supported in their decision to vaccinate. This variable was the main predictor of vaccine hesitancy in addition to concern about vaccine safety in the multivariate model. Among women who felt unsatisfied 57% had an inadequate HL compared to 40% of those who had sufficient HL (p&lt;.0001). The analysis of the open-ended questions also revealed a pervasive feeling of uncertainty.

Conclusions
The study highlights how the lack of adequate communication and support by HP had a strong impact in the adherence to Covid-19 vaccination among pregnant women.

Key messages
Colorectal Cancer Prevention in Eastern European (EaP) Countries: A Policy Analysis
Authors: Nonikashvili M , Kereselidze M , Beruchashvili T 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a critical public health issue in Central and Eastern European Countries, where it is the second leading cause of female cancer deaths. In this study, we aimed to identify the presence of CRC policies in EaP Countries and analyze the content of CRC policies for comprehensiveness.

Methods
We conducted a scoping review based on the methodological framework suggested by Arksey and O'Malley. We searched for publicly-available policy documents from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. We outline each country’s prevention approaches and activities based on World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for CRC screening.

Results
Most countries had at least one policy addressing some aspect of colorectal cancer prevention. Primary and secondary prevention were most commonly addressed, and certain details such as healthy lifestyle campaigns, target age and screening method (gFOBT, FIT or colonoscopy) were frequently mentioned in these policies. Policies to implement or pilot population-based CRC screening program have been adopted only by Georgia. Our analysis revealed the urgent need to improve the availability and use of colorectal cancer screening among those countries.

Conclusions
These country experiences suggest that while prevention approaches can promote the best strategies to carry out screening programs, there is no standardized approach to screening for CRC.

Key messages
• Further research is urgently needed to better understand CRC screening needs of adults in EaP.
• Necessity of CRC screening irrespective of need will help make shift from curative to preventive cancer care.
Person-centred care to prevent hospitalisation - a focus group study with primary care providers
Authors: Nørby Lyhne C , Bjerrum M , Johansson Jørgensen M 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
The primary healthcare sector comprises various health services, including disease prevention at local level. Research shows that targeted primary healthcare services can prevent the development of acute complications and reduce the risk of hospitalisations. While interdisciplinary collaboration has been suggested as a means to improve the quality and responsiveness of personal care needs in preventive services, effective implementation remains a challenge. The aim was to investigate perceptions of preventive care among primary healthcare providers by examining their views on what constitutes a need for hospitalisation, and which strategies are found useful to prevent hospitalisation. Further, to explain how interdisciplinary collaboration can be supported with a view to providing person-centred care.

Methods
Five focus group interviews were conducted with 27 primary healthcare providers. Interviews were transcribed, and analysed with qualitative content analysis.

Results
Three categories emerged: 1) Mental and social conditions influence physical functioning and hospitalisation need, 2) Well-established primary healthcare services are important to provide person-centred care through interdisciplinary collaboration and 3) Interdisciplinary collaboration in primary healthcare services is predominantly focussed on handling acute physical conditions.

Conclusions
By focusing on the whole person, it could be possible to provide more person-centred care through interdisciplinary collaboration and ultimately prevent some hospitalisations. The findings have clear implications for person-centred care and health system quality, and they highlight the need for involving stakeholders at all levels and for informing about the relevance of social and mental conditions, as they may influence the general health state and the risk of hospitalisation. The study supplements existing knowledge by providing valuable insight into the views of key primary healthcare providers.

Key messages
• Healthcare providers are attentive towards the influence of mental, social and physical conditions on the risk of hospitalisation highlighting the importance of care that considers the whole person.
• The development and sustainable implementation of person-centred care in local primary care settings may be supported by evidence-based practices and co-production trajectories.
Interorganisational collaboration to improve accessibility of diagnostic evaluations for children
Authors: Cloet E , Jansen A , Leys M 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Children with a suspected developmental disability need early diagnostic evaluations and support, to maximize developmental opportunities. Accessibility to diagnostic settings in Flanders, Belgium, is poor, with waiting periods up to two years. Interorganisational coordination of activities using a public health and needs of the population perspective is needed to strengthen the system. This study aims to evaluate current practices and opportunities for interorganisational collaboration of organisations active in the field of diagnostics.

Methods
It concerns a qualitative, policy-support research project. 6 homogeneous focus groups were organised for the 6 types of organisations subsidized by the government to perform diagnostic evaluations of children with a (suspected) developmental disorders. Data were thematically analysed and categorized in a process of researcher and data-triangulation. A member check validation was done.

Results
59 persons participated. We classified the hampering and facilitating factors for collaboration Current interorganisational collaboration is mostly limited to referral. Organisational differences in vision and goals, working processes and quality requirements, regulations and financial support criteria, a problem of accessibility and communication problems are hampering factors. Knowledge of mutual expertise and working processes, personal contacts and open communication are facilitating factors.

Conclusions
A population public health based organisation of the field of multidisciplinary diagnostic evaluations for children with a developmental disorder, with interorganisational collaboration and coordination of activities in mandated networks, sharing experience and knowledge, would increase the accessibility for all children and strenghten the health system. The implementation of interorganisational networks would benefit from a functional and institutional analysis of organisations.

Key messages
• Coordination of activities and interorganisational collaboration in mandated networks, could potentially improve the accessibility of diagnostic evaluations for children with a developmental disorder.
• Implementation of interorganisational networks would benefit from a functional and institutional analysis of organisations.
Smoking cessation for cancer patients through the lens of cancer specialists: challenges & solutions
Authors: Fitzpatrick P , Bhardwaj N , Syed S , Fox P , Frazer K , Niranjan V , Lyons A , McCann A , Brennan S , Guerin S 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
The benefits of smoking cessation (SC) for cancer patients are widely recognised. However, there has been a limited emphasis on SC in this context and it continues to be a challenge for cancer patients. As part of a larger feasibility study aiming to develop a structured SC pathway for cancer patients in Ireland, this qualitative study explored the SC practices, experiences and opinions of oncology healthcare professionals (HCPs).

Methods
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 HCPs from lung, breast, cervical, head and neck and general oncology, across 4 specialist adult cancer hospitals in Ireland. Interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results
Four key themes emerged:
(1) Frequently ask and advise but infrequently assist: most HCPs ask about smoking and many advise about available supports, but few refer patients to SC services. Where offered, referrals were to hospital SC services and/or nicotine replacement therapy was prescribed; no HCP prescribed varenicline or bupropion. Barriers included lack of time, ill-defined referral pathways and lack of knowledge.
(2) Increased willingness but differing ability to quit: most patients were interested in quitting post diagnosis and had varying support needs, linked to cancer stage, social circumstances and stress levels.
(3) Need for an integrated or parallel service: all HCPs suggested that a structured and defined referral pathway will facilitate SC.
(4) Motivational counselling and pharmacotherapy combination: many HCPs suggested face to face as the best mode of intervention initially, with regular follow ups and ongoing support virtually, started pre-treatment, with an empathetic and empowering approach with provision of both motivational counselling and SC pharmacotherapy.

Conclusions
Smoking post cancer diagnosis has serious implications for cancer treatment and prognosis but is frequently overlooked. These findings will inform the design of a SC pathway for cancer patients.

Key messages
• Despite increased willingness to quit, there is inadequate and inconsistent SC support provision for cancer patients.
• Tailored SC support should be an integral part of comprehensive cancer care.
Smart Brain Care – A novel approach to health care of mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia
Authors: Schwientek A-K , Wolski L , Riedl L , Grimmer T 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Dementia is a huge burden. Trends for the aging European nations indicate a significant increase of people with dementia. Prevention and early detection are the key elements to reduce risk factors and to treat reversible causes. In addition, identifying people at the beginning of the disease process is crucial when disease-modifying therapy becomes available.

Methods
We aim to develop a complex intervention to improve the identification, diagnosis, and treatment of people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mild dementia syndromes. Our goal is to reduce the time to diagnosis, raising awareness for MCI and increase patient involvement. First, barriers in pathways of care are determined in a systematic review and refined by conducting focus groups and interviews with primary care physicians (PCPs), specialists and experts in the field. A first theory about intervention components and how they interact are developed and will be further tested and adapted through development phase, feasibility and piloting.

Results
The first blueprint of Smart Brain Care addresses three identified key barriers for an improved care of MCI and mild dementia syndromes (communication, skills and awareness) by three interventions (1-3), all linked and accessible through an e-database: An online platform (1) for exchange between PCPs, specialists and experts, (2) a screening tool, diagnosis-algorithm and training for PCPs as well as (3) information materials (e.g., fact sheets, short videos) separately accessible for patients.

Conclusions
There is still low awareness about MCI under health care providers and the general population. A lack of knowledge, cooperation strategies and guidance seem to play an important role for the management of MCI and mild dementia syndromes.

Key messages
• We need to increase focusing on the identification of people with MCI and mild dementia syndromes.
• Call for a structured diagnosis and treatment regimen to support primary care physicians as key players in the management of MCI and mild dementia syndromes.
Five-hub General Conceptual Framework to improve the vaccination coverage for newly arrived migrants
Authors: Tosti ME , Marchetti G , Scarso S , D'Angelo F , Russo ML , Marceca M , Karnaki P , Papaevgeniou N , Declich S 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Within the Project “Increased Access for Newly Arrived Migrants-AcToVax4NAM” (Grant n 101018349, 3rd EU Health Programme), a General Conceptual Framework (GCF) was developed for understanding how to improve vaccination coverage for Newly Arrived Migrants (NAM), by characterizing and critically analysing system barriers and possible solutions to increase vaccination

Methods
A logical pathway was hypothesized based on conceptual hubs in the immunization process. The identification of barriers and solutions was carried on by: a) non-systematic revision of scientific and grey literature, institutions and relevant websites, and documents suggested by Consortium Partners; b) qualitative research conducted in each Consortium Country. The GCF was used as a guide for the above mentioned activities and organize results into the GCF itself to enrich it with content

Results
5 conceptual hubs were identified: ENTITLEMENT to vaccination, REACHABILITY of people to be vaccinated, ADHERENCE to vaccination, ACHIEVEMENT of vaccination, EVALUATION of the intervention. All hubs are linked sequentially, starting with Entitlement without which the process cannot take place. Hubs are connected: if vaccination does not take place, it’s important to go back to the previous hubs to understand the barriers. Reachability-Adherence-Achievement are closely related because some approaches are cross-cutting, such as proximity interventions which, in addition to allowing the system to approach NAM, promote adherence and thus possibility of completing the process. Other strategies may be implemented with different purposes: training aims to foster a culturally competent approach to facilitate adherence and avoid vaccination hesitancy, but also to improve competence in the entire process and lead to vaccination completion

Conclusions
The proposed GCF facilitates identification of barriers and possible solutions to the effective achievement of immunization, at all stages of the process

Key messages
• The GCF can be the basis for the creation of country-specific flow-charts through which to test strategies aimed at increasing immunization coverage in NAM.
• The GCF will be useful at EU level, to facilitate both the harmonisation of approaches and interventions and the evaluation of comparable approaches.
The impact of four dominating variants and vaccine coverage on Covid-19 mortality: the Malta case
Authors: Cuschieri S 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Disease burden can be quantified by mortality. The European Islands of Malta experienced a seesaw of Covid-19 surges in mortality and cases across the pandemic. The study aims to assess the impact of Covid-19 mortality across the four phases dominated by different variants while considering the vaccination coverage among the Malta population.

Methods
Covid-19 epidemiological data was obtained up till end of February 2022 from the websites of the Malta Ministry of Health and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Data was categorised into the four periods according to reported dominant Covid-19 variant. The Years of life lost (YLL) and Case-Fatality-Ratio (CFR) for each period were estimated. Correlations were performed between mortality and vaccinated age-groups.

Results
The original Covid-19 period (54 weeks) had the highest YLL (6633.53), followed by the Omicron variant period (12 weeks; 2,692.17). The Alpha variant period (7 weeks) had the highest CFR (1.89) followed by the Original Covid-19 (1.37). A significant negative correlation was present between two dose vaccination and the 60-69 years (p = 0.01), 70-79 years (p = &lt;0.01), and 80+ years (p = &lt;0.01) age groups, while a positive correlation was present between the booster dose and the 60-69 years (p = 0.01) age group.

Conclusions
Covid-19 variant’s infectivity, transmissibility, and the effectiveness of the vaccine against the variant play an important role in the ultimate outcome. Reducing mortality by embracing mass vaccination that targets current variants along with other non-pharmaceutical interventions remains paramount.

Key messages
• Mortality is an indicator for assessing the burden of an emerging variant within a population.
• The effectiveness of vaccination against emerging variants plays a role in reducing mortality rates.