bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Willingness to participate in a COVID-19 follow-up study and symptoms 1.5 years after infection
Authors: Schramm S , Wilk L , Kowall B , Jöckel KH , Stang A , Schmidt B 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Introduction
Data on willingness to participate in population-based long-COVID studies are sparse. We invited all citizens of Essen aged 18-74 years with a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test between Mar-Aug 2020 and assessed COVID-related symptoms in responders ∼1.5 years after infection.

Methods
The invited population included 1282 infected citizens (48% women). At the time of testing 64% reported symptoms. We asked responders about past and current symptoms, hospitalization, smoking, sport, pre-existing conditions (heart attack, stroke, diabetes), subjective health status as compared to before infection, assessed BMI, and performed descriptive statistics.

Results
We investigated 255 participants (50% women, 19-73 years, response rate 20%) ∼20 month (median) after the PCR test. 95% reported symptoms at the time of testing: 67% fatigue, 58% taste disorders, 56% limb pain, 55% odor disorders, 54% headache, 50% cough, 43% fever; 10% needed hospitalization, 3% intensive care, 1.6% artificial ventilation. Compared to the non-hospitalized the formerly inpatients were more often male (62% vs 49%), older (56±13 vs 49±14 years), less often never smokers (42% vs 53%), had a higher BMI (31±7 vs 28±5 kg/m2), and more pre-existing conditions (23% vs 10%). Compared to before infection, 53% rated their current health worse, with a higher rate among inpatients (81%). After ∼1.5 years, 55% still reported symptoms: 25% fatigue, 20% concentration disorder, 18% breathing problems, 13% odor and 11% taste disorders. Persistent symptoms were more common in inpatients than in non-hospitalized (69% vs 53%).

Conclusions
Symptomatic individuals are more likely to participate in a COVID19 follow-up study than asymptomatic ones. This may overestimate the number of individuals with long-term symptoms in population-based long-COVID study populations. However, persistent symptoms seem to be more likely in formerly inpatients compared to non-hospitalized individuals with former SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Key messages
• Symptomatic individuals are more likely to participate in a COVID19 follow-up study than asymptomatic ones.
• Persistent symptoms seem to be more likely in formerly inpatients compared to non-hospitalized individuals with former SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Impact of COVID-19 on the essential healthcare services at primary healthcare level
Authors: Hayrumyan V , Abrahamyan A , Harutyunyan A , Sahakyan S 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic triggered numerous challenges for the healthcare systems worldwide, particularly affecting the continuity of essential health services in low- and middle-income countries. We explored the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the utilization and delivery of essential health services in Armenia.

Methods
We applied a conventional qualitative study design using semi-structured in-depth interviews (n = 17) in public and private primary healthcare (PHC) facilities in Armenia (2021). Participants included physicians providing primary health services (e.g. endocrinologists, gynecologists/obstetricians, and pediatricians), regular PHC facility patients (e.g. adults with chronic diseases, parents of children), and policymakers. Iterative thematic analysis was done based on inductively emerged 3 main themes: patient-provider communications, maternal and child health services, and management of chronic diseases.

Results
Overall, visits to the PHC facilities were decreased due to fear to contract COVID-19 coupled with lack of information, misinformation and panic. There was a lack of digital platforms for ensuring continuous patient-provider communication and phone calls were the main way of communication. PHC providers intentionally limited the number of maternal and child visits to only essential antenatal visits, newborn screenings and routine child immunizations. Still, the latter has suffered resulting in delayed and decreased vaccinations. The pandemic remarkably decreased the number of follow-up visits and monitoring of patients with chronic conditions resulting in more critical and severe conditions.

Conclusions
The COVID-19 pandemic affected the provision and utilization of essential health services at PHC facilities by changing people’s health-seeking behavior. Unified national-level guidance for PHC facilities is needed to direct the provision of essential services, effective health communication and usage of digital platforms.

Key messages
• Though provider encounters should be limited during outbreaks, continuous provision of essential services is critical in the prevention of morbidity, complications and worsened disease severity.
• Efforts are needed to develop effective health and risk communication strategies and enhance appropriate usage of digital platforms to promote adequate health-seeking behavior among the public.
What factors contribute to maintaining mental well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Authors: Kausmann C , Cohrdes C ,   RKI-SOEP-2-study group
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic posed numerous challenges for many people and first results indicate high variability of responses in mental well-being. Thus, this research aimed to identify longitudinal factors contributing to the maintenance of mental well-being despite the adverse life circumstances and derive recommendations suitable for the promotion of mental well-being in the context of future pandemic or similar stressful situations.

Methods
We analysed representative longitudinal panel data of the Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP) from 15,122 adults (age range 18-99 years) who participated in the collaborative SOEP-CoV and RKI-SOEP surveys comprising self-reports of mental well-being (e.g., life satisfaction) and potentially relevant factors (e.g., control beliefs). By taking data from before (2015-2019) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2021) into account, we investigated different patterns of mental well-being trajectories and factors associated with the maintenance of mental well-being over time.

Results
Preliminary results suggest that the majority of adults in Germany managed to maintain or even enhance their mental well-being in the considered time frame. Moreover, results suggest that certain factors seem to be of universal importance (e.g., altruism, locus of control) while others are particularly relevant for distinct mental well-being dimensions (e.g., life goals). Most decisively, the probability of experiencing mental well-being deterioration during the COVID-19 pandemic was enhanced in individuals with an internal locus of control.

Conclusions
The findings revealed longitudinal factors that contribute to maintaining mental well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. Promoting altruism, family-related life goals and external locus of control beliefs can help fostering resilient responses in the face of challenging life events such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key messages
• Several factors (e.g., locus of control) offer the potential to maintain or even improve mental well-being in times characterized by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To enhance preparedness for stressful life events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the identified key factors should be included in basic universal public health promotion.
Healthy aging in place during the pandemic in Northern Italy
Authors: Paone N , Mairhofer S 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Many elderly people would like to stay in their own homes as long as possible. Therefore, a focus on enabling factors for a healthy aging in place in needed. Italy was the first European country to be hit hard by the pandemic. These had an impact on people’s everyday lives, on social participation and freedom of movement for all sections of the population. But especially elderly people were considered a risk group and were urged to leave their homes as little as possible. The project aimed to analyse the situation of elderly people in South Tyrol (Northern Italy), focusing on the characteristics of enabling factors for a healthy ageing in place. The main research question was: What kind of enabling factors ensure a healthy aging in place during the pandemic? Using a mixed-methods-approach, we conducted 10 semi-structured interviews (experts: social workers, health professionals, responsible persons from senior associations, ...) analysed by qualitative content analysis and a quantitative questionnaire (536 respondents, aged 60 to 101 still living in their own home) from 2020 to 2021. The questionnaire was distributed in digital and analogue form to reach a wider study group and to facilitate access to the research group despite the infection control measures or technical challenges. The results show that there were numerous changes in the everyday life of elderly people during the pandemic, which were described as particularly important for a healthy ageing in place. Based on the answers to the pandemic-related restrictions, 6 categories could be identified: Loneliness versus desire for social contact, mobility, emotions, needs, opportunities, restrictions. To be able to guarantee healthy ageing in place, we need to examine and promote these enabling factors in the long term.

Key messages
• A focus on enabling factors for a healthy aging in place in needed.
• There were numerous changes in the everyday life of elderly people during the pandemic, which were described as particularly important for a healthy ageing in place.
Public Health Workforce training Laboratorium: Pilot e-Learning course on CBE and PBL models
Authors: Barbina D , Riccardo F , Di Pucchio A , Del Manso M , Mammoli M , Croci R , Vittozzi A , Mazzaccara A , Ferrelli R , Brusaferro S 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
The National Institute of health (ISS), within the G20 Health Working Group, launched at March 2021 an innovative training Laboratorium, to strengthen the capacity and competencies of the Public Health Workforce (PHW) on prevention, preparedness and response to health crises. It was recognised in the G20 Declarations of Ministers of Health and Leaders and it was aimed to the development of training tools suitable for distance learning. ISS proposed the design of e-Learning courses based on an integration of WHO’s Competency-Based Education (CBE) and Problem Based Learning (PBL) models.

Objectives
Describe the design of a pilot e-Learning course based on CBE- PBL models, focused on Epidemic Intelligence (EI).

Results
The pilot e-Learning course “Use of Epidemic Intelligence systems with a particular focus on event-based surveillance for pandemic preparedness” will be delivered by ISS e-Learning platform https://www.eduiss.it. By the end of the course participants will be able to evaluate the potential use/applicability of EI systems, focusing on event-based surveillance for preparedness and early warning at country/institutional level. CBE is the basis for articulating the outcomes and identifying the required competencies and PBL for creating learning activities associated to learning outcomes. Interactive tools (exercise, web pages, quiz and other activities) are associated to learning objectives. The course is offered to public health professionals free of charge, in English language. About 16 hours are required to complete all the activities and receive attendance certification.

Conclusions
Continuously updated training of PHW is a hallmark to better face health challenges. In our proposal, the learning methodology integrates CBE vision with PBL approach, adapting both to e-Learning context.

Aknowledement
Pietro Carbone, Debora Guerrera, Federica Regini, Licia Bacciocchi, Stefania Bocci, Silvia Stacchini, Giovanna Failla - ISS, Rome Italy

Key messages
• Design an innovative e-learning course through synergic integration of two educational models crucial in public health, CBE and PBL.
• Adapt e valorize CBE and PBL models in the context of e-Learning.
Migrant and ethnic minorities at higher risk of COVID-19 severe outcomes? A systematic review
Authors: Mazzalai E , Giannini D , Tosti ME , Jaljaa A , Caminada S , Turatto F , De Marchi C , Gatta A , Marchetti G , Marceca M 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a recognised impact in widening health inequalities, both between and within countries, with a major impact on socially disadvantaged population groups such as Migrants and Ethnic Minorities (MEMs). While there is growing evidence on the matter worldwide, data specific to the WHO European Region is scarce. The issue, however, is pressing, since it is estimated that almost 10% of the population living in the WHO European Region is made up of migrants. The aim of the study is to investigate the impact of Covid-19 on MEMs compared to the general population in terms of serious outcomes.

Methods
We conducted a systematic review collecting studies on the impact of Covid-19 on MEMs compared to the general population in the WHO European Region regarding hospitalisation, intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mortality, published between 01/01/2020 and 19/03/2021. Fourteen researchers were involved in selection, study quality assessment, data extraction and analysis.

Results
Of the 82 studies included, 15 of the 16 regarding hospitalisation for Covid-19 reported an increased risk for MEMs compared to the white and/or native population and 22 out of the 28 studies focusing on the ICU admission rates found an increased risk for MEMs. Among the 65 studies on mortality, 43 report a higher risk for MEMs. 82% of the studies were conducted in the UK.

Conclusions
These findings highlight the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on MEMs population, with an increased risk of all the adverse outcomes taken into consideration. Social determinants of health are among the main factors involved in the genesis of health inequalities: a disadvantaged socio-economic status, a framework of structural racism and asymmetric access to healthcare are linked to increased susceptibility to the consequences of Covid-19. These findings underline the need for policy-makers to consider the socio-economic barriers when designing health promotion plans.

Key messages
• The combination of disadvantage socioeconomic conditions with COVID-19 transmission characteristics put migrants and ethnic minorities at a higher risk of facing sever health outcomes.
• The amount of evidence on the inequal impact of COVID-19 on migrants and ethnic minorities produced by European countries is poor. This gap must be filled to develop effective health promotion plans.
Covid-19-related health literacy: a cross-sectional study in Israel
Authors: Abdel-Rahman N , Laron M , Baron-Epel O , Artom T , Levin-Zamir D 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
The “infodemic” related to Covid-19 emphasized the importance of the public’s ability to access, understand, appraise and use information to make decisions about health. This study aimed to:
1. Assess the components of Covid-19 related health literacy (Co-HL)
2. Examine the associations of socio-demographic variables and health status with Co-HL

Methods
This study was conducted as part of the European Health Literacy Population Survey 2019-2021 (HLS19). A cross-sectional survey of a representative sample of adults in Israel was conducted in December 2020 using phone interviews and an online survey (n = 1,315). Five items measuring Co-HL were added. Multivariable regression models were used to assess the associations between socio-demographic variables and health status with Co-HL.

Results
Of participants, 63% reported concern about Covid-19. The mean general HL was lower among those who reported concern about Covid-19 compared to those who worried less (p = 0.002). The most difficult component of Co-HL was “judging the reliability of information regarding Covid-19” (36% expressed difficulty). Older participants, those with low self-reported social status, and low self-assessed health, were significantly (p &lt; 0.05) more likely to express difficulty in judging the reliability of Covid-19 information. Interestingly, education level was not significantly associated with Co-HL.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that, to best promote the use of information on Covid-19 prevention, older people, those with low social status and those with poor general health should be prioritized for improving critical health literacy.

Key messages
• Co-HL is unequally distributed in the population, warranting tailored health promotion efforts.
• It is vital to improve the ability of the population to identify reliable information about covid-19.
Factors associated with post-COVID-19 confinement vape use in young adults
Authors: Villegas Dominguez JE , Reyes Hernandez C , Rodríguez Barranco AR , Pérez Santamaria M , Juárez de la Huerta H , Martínez Torralva A , Gonzalez David EA , Muñoz Bautista BL , Marquez Celedonio FG 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Introduction
The use of Vape has increased during the pandemic due to the changes generated by it. Currently we have finished the conditions of confinement, so it is important to identify
Objective: To determine the factors associated with post-COVID-19 confinement vape consumption in young adults

Methods
A cross-sectional, prospective study was carried out between January and April 2022, including men and women residents of Veracruz aged between 18 and 35 years, excluding participants with addiction treatment or with a diagnosis of a lung disease. A survey was applied through Google Forms to identify the factors associated with Vape consumption after confinement by COVID-19, including depression, anxiety and stress evaluated with the DASS-21 instrument (Cronbach’s alpha between 0.79 and 0.87). For data analysis, SPSS v22 software was used, X2 test with Odds Ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI95%) and MannWhitney U test, assigning statistical significance with p &lt; 0.05.

Results
514 participants were included, with a prevalence of vape use of 28.5%. Physical activity, cigarette consumption by a family member, levels of anxiety, depression and stress showed a value of p &gt; 0.05 for Vape consumption, while other factors (OR/95%CI) such as being female (0.6/0.4-0.9), identifying vape advertising on Facebook (0.35/0.19-0.65), having a family member who vapes (2.4/1.5-3.6), consuming cigarettes (4.2/2.7-6.4) and identifying vape advertising on Instagram (1.5/ 1.0-2.3) had values of p &lt; 0.05

Conclusions
Post-pandemic vape use is not affected by anxiety, stress or depression, identifying other factors that favor its use such as the environment in which it develops, such as being someone with a history of tobacco use, in addition to the family smoker and advertising on Instagram, which is a social network that often works as an aspirational image for users, a situation contrary to what is shown on Facebook.

Key messages
• Vape consumption continues to be a post-pandemic public health problem, so it is necessary to reinforce educational measures on the subject and the post-Covid complications of its use.
• It is necessary to regulate vape advertising on social networks, as has been done with tobacco in different countries, since it can become a risk factor by showing aspirational images for users.
Prior activation of social work team process by pre-admission one-click automatic referral system
Authors: Chon S , Kim BE , Lee IJ , Choi GY 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading global cause of mortality. Coronary angiography (CAG) is often performed for CAD patients, and the mean length of stay (LoS) is 4 d. Requests to the social work team (SWT) are often delayed until just before discharge, causing unnecessarily prolonged LoS and reduced chances of obtaining financial support. If the SWT’s support system is activated beforehand for scheduled CAGs, the LoS would be shorter and patients would be relieved of emotional and financial burdens.

Methods
Collaborating with the cardiology and medical informatics departments, a one-click automatic referral system (OARS) was set up (January-May 2021). When cardiologists scheduled a CAG in the outpatient department, an OARS cue popped automatically for the medical aid recipients. The cardiologists could also activate the pre-admission OARS for other patients when necessary. Subsequently, the SWT responded on that day to discuss initiating the financial support process with the candidates. The rate of cardiologists’ pre-admission referral to SWT, decision-making time on financial support provision, and proportion of patients receiving financial support were compared before and after initiating OARS.

Results
After initiating pre-admission OARS, the rate of cardiologists’ pre-admission referral to SWT increased from 17.8% (18/101: mean age, 64.6±12.0 y; 32 females; January-December 2020) to 59.1% (55/93: mean age, 64.0±11.8 y; 29 females; June-December 2021) (p &lt; 0.001). Although the decision-making time to provide financial support did not change significantly (8.4±11.1 vs. 4.7±11.6 d; p = 0.96), the proportion of patients receiving financial support increased (45.5% [46/101] vs. 60.2% [56/93]; p = 0.045).

Conclusions
By enhancing the cardiologists’ pre-admission referral to SWT and success rate of receiving financial support, the proactive strategy of pre-admission OARS benefits CAD patients scheduled for CAG.

Key messages
• By building a proactive referral strategy of pre-admission OARS, more CAD patients scheduled for CAG could obtain timely financial support and be relieved both emotionally and financially by the SWT.
• This pre-admission OARS might be incorporated for more disease entities for patients in need.