bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Strengthening National Public Health: first steps towards the Spanish Public Health Agency
Authors: Barbaglia G , García-Abiétar D , Beltrán-Aguirre JL , García AM , García-Armesto S , Gutiérrez-Ibarluzea I , Segura-Benedicto A , Franco-Tejero M , Urbanos-Garrido R , Hernández-Aguado I 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Issue/Problem
The social, ecological, health and economic crisis exacerbated by COVID-19 is a challenge of extraordinary magnitude and complexity for global public health. Part of the response to these challenges requires strong public health institutions.

Description of the problem
Component 18 of the Government of Spain’s Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan proposes the creation of a Spanish Agency of Public Health (SAPH), a centre of excellence to perform surveillance and health system preparedness functions in the face of new or emerging public health threats. The government has opened the debate on what design and functions it should have.

Results
SESPAS, the Spanish Society of Public Health and Public Administration, set out a proposal for the design and organization of the future Spanish Agency for Public Health [SAPH]. A large working group, made up of experts from various fields of public health and from its ten federated scientific societies, has designed the SAPH proposal. The scope of the public health functions to be assumed include: the strategic planning of the State’s public health (including health security), the prioritisation of public health policies and communication strategies, the assessment of the population’s health status and social conditions, the guarantee of the transversality and horizontality of health policies (health and health equity in all State policies), as well as their verticality (serving as an enriching link between the European Union level and the administrations of the Autonomous Communities and local authorities). The proposal also include 11 recommendations on the main elements to be taken into account in the establishment of the future SAPH.

Lessons
COVID19 pandemic has highlighted the need of creating strong public health institutions. Spain is giving its first steps toward the creation of the SAPH, which constitute a key step in addressing the current and future challenges of public health in Spain.

Key messages
• Spanish Public Health Agency is an opportunity to transform health policies and to improve the health of the Spanish population.
• Strengthening public health starts with building national institutions that ensure comprehensive and integrated health policies.
The health impact of the Triple Challenge of Brexit, COVID-19 and Climate Change in Wales
Authors: Green L 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the complex relationships between health, well-being, economy and society. The United Kingdom’s (UK) withdrawal from the European Union (Brexit) and climate change are having a cumulative, magnifying impact. UK nations have to tackle the multifaceted nature of Brexit, COVID-19 and climate change (‘Triple Challenge’ or TC) not only in isolation, but as a cumulative whole.This study provides a strategic overview of the interactions of the TC on determinants of health and equity in Wales and proposes opportunities to take forward. Using findings from existing Welsh Health Impact Assessments (HIAs) undertaken on the single challenges, rapid searches of the academic and grey literature were undertaken to identify evidence which focused on the TC and its impacts.From this, key determinants impacted and spotlight examples were identified and analysed. Evidence indicates the TC will have a wide range of compounding impacts across multiple determinants and inequalities. These will need to be viewed in synergy, not singularly. Determinants affected include i.e mental well-being, food insecurity, employment.Population groups potentially affected include rural communities, fishers/farmers, young people. Policy responses need to be constructed in an integrated way with cross sector involvement as actions intended to have positive impacts for one challenge could also have negative unintended impacts for others. This innovative work has highlighted the significant interconnectedness of the challenges. Developing an overarching policy approach could support lasting change.Having the TC as the underpinning focus point for new policies and strategies will help to maximise impact when addressing concerns in relation to post Brexit policy/actions, COVID recovery and climate change adaptation/mitigation.This work can be utilized by other nations as an example for challenges they may face in their context and nations in the UK/Europe affected by the TC.

Key messages
• Brexit, COVID-19 and climate change have cumulative health impacts which must be considered together.
• Health impact assessment can provide a core framework through which to explore inequalities and health impact of multiple policy and practical issues.
Map of Health Needs – basis for the national strategic frameworks
Authors: Olminski J , Koziol-Rostkowska M , Smiglewska A 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

As the economies transform into data-centred, so do the health systems. Responding effectively to emerging challenges through right decisions and setting up adjusted policies require a well-functioning evidence-based tool. The one developed in Poland is called ‘Maps of Health Needs'. It provides key stakeholders with unbiased data to support decision making processes. The Map depicts the current situation in the system, and forecasts the changes in upcoming years. The system is shown widely: starting with the background of demography and epidemiology, later moving to the out- and in-patient care, including long term care and rehabilitation, concluding with resources (staff and infrastructure). This broad and unbiased view on the system now and in the years to come, allows the public sector institutions to plan the short, medium and long term actions. It regards both strategic and operational levels, for the whole country and for the regions respectively. The documents juxtapose the current and the desired state of the system in the future, outlining necessary actions and goals in order to achieve it. In the recent years a few strategic frameworks have been developed in Poland, as the preparation for the next EU programming period advanced and in reaction to the pandemic crisis. The main documents include:
1) Healthy Future, the umbrella-like framework for the period 2021-2027,
2) Recovery and resilience plan,
3) Transformation plans.
The first and the second one became a part of the negotiation conditions at the European level, as they form a reliable source for modelling the flux of investments’ financing. In that way the maps shape the national policies, becoming the basis for strategic frameworks.

Key messages
• Reliable data is nowadays a key factor in strategic planning, also in the healthcare system.
• The tool developed in Poland, called Maps of Health Needs, serves as a base for strategic national frameworks.
Paid Sick Leave and Sickness Benefits for employees’ economic and job security: A Scoping Review
Authors: Kwon Y , Lee H , Ryu K , Moon D , Chung H 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

In health emergencies, such as in the COVID-19 pandemic, the need to expand or introduce the Paid sick leave(PSL) and Sickness benefits(SB) increases. They are key components of the universal health coverage(UHC) and active labor market policies(ALMPs) that enable workers to take care of their health and guarantee return-to-work after recovery. This study examines effects those policies in achieving economic stability and job security of covered workers through a scoping review. Studies were selected using the search terms ‘paid sick leave', ‘sickness benefits', ‘paid sick day', and ‘earned sick leave’ in PubMed and Web of Science. Our search conducted on 6th April 2021 yielded 1,030 articles, of which 22 articles were included in the review. All articles were analyzed by the 4 sub-groups(employees, families, employers, and government) and we investigated indicators of socio-economic impacts on their lives. Articles are largely PSL(90.9%)-focused. PSL guarantees not only workers’ job security by securing employment agreement, but also their income security by promising part of wages enough to afford healthcare and living expenses during the medical treatment and recovery. Additionally, PSL attenuates employers’ financial risk, as it reduces presenteeism while increasing the return-to-work rate. Moreover, PSL and SB reduce the total healthcare and social security expenditures of the government. To sum up, PSL and SB guarantee health and labor rights by ensuring income and job security to employees while assuring financial stability to both employers, and the government. However, as the previous studies paid less attention on the equity of these impacts at the system levels, future research should more focus on the dimension.

Key messages
• PSL and SB guarantee health and labour rights by ensuring income and job security for employees, while assuring financial stability for both employers and the government.
• The previous studies that examined the effects of PSL and SB paid less attention on the equity of ensuring income and employment security, therefore future studies should focus more on this dimension.
Differential willingness for genetic testing to target treatment in older Danish citizens
Authors: Leppin A , Nielsen JB 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Studies from different countries have shown that population majorities are willing to accept genetic tests for treatment personalisation and that considerable proportions are ready to donate their data to research. However, it has also been shown that concerns, for example about data use and confidentiality or treatment rationing, are common. To enable a more targeted communication process with the public about personalized medicine, more knowledge is needed on views in different sub-populations. In the present study, a hypothetical scenario was used to investigate differential readiness to accept a genetic test for treatment targeting and to permit use of personal data for research.

Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 50-80-year-old Danish citizens (n = 6807) who were sampled to represent the Danish population in that age segment. Socio-demographic data were added from a national registry. Data were analyzed by multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results
Preliminary results showed that a majority was willing to be tested (78.3%). Readiness was lower in women [OR = .67; CI = .59-.77] and those 70-80 [OR = .72; CI = 61-.86], while it was higher in those with better income [OR = 1.29; CI = 1.09-1.52]. Further, those less satisfied with their health, the obese and those with a perceived genetic vulnerability were more willing to be tested. Over 90% of those ready to be tested were also willing to permit use of their data for research. Rates were higher in men, older segments, those with higher income/education as well as those with current pain experience and those aware of a personal genetic vulnerability.

Conclusions
Findings indicate group differences in acceptance of a genetic test for personalisation of medicine and data use for research. Further research should investigate group-specific benefit perceptions versus concerns in population subgroups to inform implementation and enable targeted communication strategies.

Key messages
• Acceptance of genetic testing for personalisation of treatment as well as willingness to contribute data to research may differ between population subgroups.
• Women and those with lower income are less willing to accept genetic testing for treatment personalisation and accept research use of data while health vulnerabilities increase acceptance.
Measured vs self-reported overweight/obesity in the Italian adult population: CUORE Project 2018-19
Authors: Donfrancesco C , Bologna E , Iannucci L , Profumo E , Lo Noce C , Buttari B , Di Lonardo A , Vannucchi S , Onder G , Palmieri L 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
In monitoring population health and the effectiveness of public health strategies, the body mass index (BMI) is often assessed within national surveys from self-reported height and weight rather than measured values. Using data collected within a recent health examination survey (HES), the discrepancies between self-reported and measured values were assessed, and correction models were estimated and implemented on national interview survey data.

Methods
Within the CUORE Project, the Italian National Institute of Health conducted the HES 2018-2019 measuring height and weight as well as collecting data on self-reported values in random samples of general population aged 35-74 years residing in ten (of 20) Italian regions distributed in the North, Centre and South: 1033 men and 1061 women.

Results
Self-reported and measured data comparison showed greater differences in mean values of height than weight and in women than in men (height +2 cm in men and +3.2 in women; weight -0.7 kg and -1.4 kg, respectively) and a corresponding underestimation of BMI (-0.7 kg/m2 and -1.4 kg/m2, respectively). Differences were stable across age groups and educational levels, except for height discrepancy, which was greatest in women aged 65-74 years. Self-reported vs measured prevalence were: normal weight 39.7%-33.3% in men and 54.8%-44.7% in women, overweight 45.8%-46.1% and 26.0%-29.2%, obesity 13.8%-20.1% and 15.7%-23.9%. Linear regression models adjusted by sex and age classes were assessed for height and weight (R2 &gt; =0.92) and implemented to estimate adjusted BMI and normal weight/overweight/obesity prevalence on the national multi-purpose interview survey data collected by the Italian National Institute of Statistics.

Conclusions
To provide more accurate prevalence of normal weight, overweight and obesity, self-reported values could be adjusted using correction models developed on the basis of the relationship between self-reported and measured height and weight values.

Key messages
• Discrepancies between self-reported and measured values of height and weoght were found.
• Self-reported values could be adjusted using correction models developed on the basis of the relationship between self-reported and measured height and weight values.
Algorithm for early diagnosis of viral hepatitis C
Authors: Pakov I , Terzieva K , Shalamanov D , Karcheva M , Gancheva G 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Issue
Viral hepatitis C (VH C) is a global problem of the public health. Different interventions for achieving the Global Health Sector Strategy on viral hepatitis targets (65% reduction in HCV-related deaths, 90% in new infections and 90% of infections diagnosed by 2030) were considered. Increased diagnosis and treatment rates would be required to achieve these targets in all countries, even with the introduction of high sustained viral response therapies.

Description of the problem
The latest global HCV disease burden estimates showed that about 71.1 million people worldwide are viremic, corresponding to a prevalence of 1%. The prevalence of HCV is not homogenous: the WHO Eastern-Mediterranean Region is with the highest number of infected subjects (15 millions), followed by the European Region (14 million). In Bulgaria, the incidence of VH C is 0.63-1.30 at 100 000 population (2008-2020) and in Pleven region is 0.38-3.8, respectively.

Results
Retrospective study was conducted upon epidemiological, demographic, clinical, laboratory and viral characteristics in fifty cases of VH C confirmed with positive anti-HCV, evaluated by ELISA. Thirty eight of cases were hospitalized in different clinics of the University Hospital “Dr Georgi Stranski”-Pleven (2017-2018) and remainders were blood-donors registered in Regional Center of Transfusion Hematology-Pleven. Surgical interventions (26.32%), blood infusions (23.68%) and hemodialysis (15.79%) were at highest risk for VH C. Twenty five hospital patients were with chronic VH C (66%), five with cirrhosis (13%) and eight (21%) with acute hepatitis C. Twenty of the patients (53%) were asymptomatic about hepatitis and were hospitalized because of different comorbidities (p &lt; 0.0005).

Lessons
We propose an algorithm for early diagnosis of VH C based on mandatory screening for anti-HCV in risk groups, especially before invasive procedures. The early detection of HCV infection will reduce the complications and nosocomial infections.

Key messages
• Different scenarios developed to achieve the WHO Targets in all countries assume an implementation of national policies to prevent new infections and to diagnose current infections through screening.
• The early detection of HCV infection will reduce the complications and nosocomial infections.
Health, wellbeing, and the impact of Corona in older adults in Dresden, Germany: the LAB60+ study
Authors: Romero Starke K , Hegewald J , Schmauder S , Kaboth P , Uhlmann L , Wegge J , Marquardt G , Seidler A 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Introduction
As the proportion of older people increases, it is necessary to evaluate their health and well-being to identify measures to promote healthy ageing. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted older adults’ health- not just through the infection itself, but also due to infection protection ordinances.

Methods
LAB60+ is a population-based cross-sectional study investigating, among other things, the physical and mental health of older adults. Residents of Dresden aged 60 years and older were invited to participate in the first half of 2021. Participants answered questions on their habits, health status and wellbeing, using, among others, the Short Form-8 Health Survey and the WHO wellbeing index.

Results
2399 people participated in the study (40% response). Participants assessed their physical health similar to the German population. The most common chronic conditions were hypertension (54%), chronic pain (32%) and osteoarthritis (31%). 42% of the participants were overweight and 20% were obese. One-fifth did not engage in physical activity: this number increased with age and decreased socioeconomic status. Participants reported lower levels of wellbeing compared to the German population (58 vs. 67 pts.). One-third had higher levels of depressiveness and half reported an increase in their experienced loneliness due to the pandemic. 34% participated in risky alcohol consumption, but it did not markedly change during the pandemic. The greatest negative impact of the pandemic on health behaviors was physical activity: more than one-third exercised less compared to the time before the pandemic.

Conclusions
Physical health was comparable to the German population, while depressivity was higher, perhaps due to the pandemic. Age-appropriate interventions should especially target an increase in physical activity. It is important to take measures to reduce the possible negative effects of the pandemic, such as increased loneliness or reduced physical activity.

Key messages
• This is the first study on health and wellbeing on older adults (60+ years) in the city of Dresden, Germany.
• The COVID-19 pandemic had a high impact on older adults’ physical activity and loneliness.
Are pressures sores in nursing homes related to nursing home size? A cross-sectional analysis
Authors: McGrane N , Dunbar P , Luding A , Keyes L 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Incidence of pressure sores are an indicator of quality of care provided. Pressure sores requiring hospitalisation are a very poor outcome and may indicate a chronic unmet need. Organisational factors of services are modifiable factors and may be associated with occurrence and severity of pressure sores. However, little investigation has been completed on this to date. The aim of this study was to assess the association of size of nursing homes and pressure sores requiring hospitalisation.

Methods
Using the Database of Statutory Notifications from Social Care in Ireland we identified from notifications received by the regulator in 2019, the number of pressure sores that required hospitalisation from nursing homes. Association of size of service (registered beds) and the percentage of pressure sores requiring hospital treatment was investigated, using negative binomial regression, unadjusted and adjusted for provider type (company, sole trader, statutory body, unincorporated body, partnership), staff to resident ratio and distance to hospital (km), and nurse to resident ratio as a proxy for resident complexity in a further model.

Results
598 Nursing homes were in operation in 2019. 1 was excluded for missing covariate data and 597 included for analysis. 447 submitted 2996 notifications of pressure sores, median (IQR): 3 (0 to 8). 255 pressure sores (8.51% of total) required hospitalisation. Pressure sores that required hospitalisation and size of service was positively associated, incidence rate ratio (95% confidence interval): 1.001 (1.000 to 1.002). This remained when adjusted for covariates, 1.003 (1.001 to 1.006) and additionally for nurse to staff ratio, 1.013 (1.011 to 1.016)

Conclusions
A small but significant higher number of pressures sores required hospitalisation from larger nursing homes. The reasons for this are unknown but may include cultural differences and ability to provide continuity of care between larger and smaller nursing homes.

Key messages
• Larger nursing homes are associated with higher incidents of pressure sores that require hospitalisation. This association remains when adjusted for covariates and nurse to staff ratio.
• Reasons larger nursing homes are associated with higher incidents of pressure sores that require hospitalisation are unknown but may be influenced by their ability to provide continuity of care.